The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Leo Alphonsus Smith, United States Army Air Service, for gallantry in action while serving as an Observer with the 135th Aero Squadron, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in the Toul Sector, France, 26 August 1918, while on a photographic mission. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Smith, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Service.