By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Sergeant Ernest A. Smith (ASN: 547549), United States Army, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with Company I, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in the heavy German barrage of 16 July 1918, although knocked down by a shell blast, Sergeant Smith immediately got up and rendered splendid assistance to his platoon leader in conducting the movement of the platoon through the heaviest of shell fire near Crezancy, France. His fine courage and utter devotion make his memory worthy to be cherished as that of a good soldier and fearless leader. He was killed in action on 25 July 1918.