The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant William Robert Smyth (ASN: RA-12025327), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. Sergeant Smyth distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Mundung-ni, Korea, on 3 November 1952. On that date Company E, occupying defensive positions on key terrain, came under an attack, the brunt of which was directed against the 2d platoon. Enemy troops swarmed up a finger approach to the hill and, despite staggering losses, pressed the assault with determination, infiltrating friendly positions and destroying the machine-gun bunker which had provided protective fire for the sector. Surging forward, they penetrated the friendly lines at several points. Sergeant Smyth left his covered position, raced through the fire-swept impact area, and urged his comrades to follow in an effort to contain the breakthrough. Moving directly into enemy fire, he was heard over the din of battle shouting words of encouragement. Firing his carbine and throwing grenades with deadly accuracy, he killed seven hostile soldiers and wounded many others. He dominated the critical situation through sheer force of his heroic example and continued to lead the daring charge until mortally wounded by mortar fire. Inspired by the challenge of their valiant leader, the men fought with great courage and skill, repulsing the attack and thwarting the enemy attempt to exploit the breech and overrun friendly positions. Sergeant Smyth’s indomitable spirit and valorous actions reflect the greatest credit on himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.