By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Major (Field Artillery) Richard M. Smith, 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. Major Smith distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 7th Field Artillery, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Broyes (Oise), France, 29 May 1918, while going to the rescue of four men who had been buried by debris during enemy bombardment.