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The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (Posthumously) to Private Dean F. Smiley (MCSN: 88720), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Seventy-Fifth Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., near St. Etienne, France, on 9 October 1918. Private Smiley rushed a hostile machine-gun nest single-handed, killing three of the crew and capturing the remainder. While taking his prisoners to the rear, this gallant soldier was killed by enemy artillery fire.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 1 – 10, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Dean F. Smiley (MCSN: 88702), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private Smiley distinguished himself while serving with the 75th Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Blanc Mont, France, 1 – 10 October 1918.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Regiment:

    Sixth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 9, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 37 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Dean Franklin Smiley (MCSN: 88702), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Seventy-Fifth Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near St. Etienne, France, 9 October 1918. Private Smiley rushed a hostile machine-gun nest single-handed, killing three of the crew and capturing the remainder. While taking his prisoners to the rear, this gallant soldier was killed by enemy artillery fire.