By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Second Lieutenant (Air Service) Smith J. DeFrance, United States Army Air Service, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Second Lieutenant DeFrance distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 139th Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Verdun, France, 28 September 1918, in bringing down an enemy plane.