Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 4, 1951

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 64 (June 30, 1952)

    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 First Class William Lee Smith (ASN: NG-24534226), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company G, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant First Class Smith distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kumhwa, Korea, on 4 November 1951. In an attack on a strongly held hostile position, Sergeant Smith commanded the assault squad of his platoon. As the squad approached the main enemy position, heavy small-arms and grenade fire inflicted serious casualties. Although wounded twice, he continued to lead his unit and directed the attack against the enemy bunkers that were the principal obstacles to the progress of his unit. By almost superhuman effort and despite his wounds, this intrepid leader personally inflicted heavy casualties upon the enemy and continued to lead the advance until he was killed by an exploding grenade. True to the highest traditions of the military service, Sergeant Smith’s courageous performance of duty was an inspiration to his comrades. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant First Class Smith on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.