The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert L. Smith (ASN: 33037213), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Percy, France, on 1 August 1944. During the attack, Sergeant Smith crossed an open field in front of his assault platoon under intense enemy machine gun fire to rescue his Company Commander. Later, Sergeant Smith, while under small arms fire, mounted the rear of an enemy tank and dropped two hand grenades into the open turret. The tank was immobilized and two of the crew members were eliminated by Sergeant Smith. He then hunted down four supporting enemy riflemen and shot them while they were trying to escape. His actions demoralized and weakened the enemy line to such an extent that his unit advanced and gained its objective. Sergeant Smith was killed in a subsequent action. Sergeant Smith’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 28th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.