The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to William Oliver Smith, First Lieutenant, U. S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action north of Haudiomont, France, November 9-10, 1918. Lieutenant Smith courageously led his machine-gun platoon in an attack on the afternoon of November 9, and later assisted in organizing a position for defense. On November 10, the enemy launched a strong counterattack and the Infantry withdrew under cover of the machine-gun fire. Later, when attacked by greatly superior numbers, Lieutenant Smith defended his position for over an hour. Although wounded three times, he persisted in his resistance, holding his position until his ammunition was exhausted, when he was taken prisoner by the enemy.

Mr. Smith was the Legion of Valor National Commander 1954-1955.