The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Philip B. Smith, United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. First Lieutenant Smith distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as co-pilot on a lift aircraft in support of elements of an Allied division. An urgent request was received for extraction of Allied troops from an artillery position which was in imminent danger of being overrun and under heavy mortar attack. During the first two attempts into the battle-torn position the aircraft came under such intense fire that the approaches were aborted. He located tube flashes of mortar positions. He notified the command and control ship and the aerial rocket artillery helicopter of the enemy location. During the third approach the aircraft came under heavy automatic weapons fire and again he directed his gunner’s suppressive fire into enemy locations. As the aircraft approached the landing zone on the razor back ridge line, mortar rounds were impacting. He skillfully helped maneuver the aircraft so as to bring the skids low enough that the Allied and the Allied soldiers were removed to a secure area. His team work and alertness were an essential part of the success of the emergency extractions of the Allied soldiers. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military services and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.