By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Earl J. Smith (ASN: 2981863), United States Army, 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. Private Smith distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 339th Infantry Regiment, 85th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Bolshie-Ozerki, Russia, 1 April 1919, while carrying ammunition to front lines under fire.