'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the attack on the Trescault Ridge on 12th September 1918. The advance of our troops was held up by three enemy machine guns and Smith and L/Cpl Gilliam worked round to the flank of the position and then rushed the machine-gunners across the open. They threw bombs into the position and then jumped in and either shot or bayonetted the garrison of three Officers and twelve men. Rifleman Smith showed great gallantry in rushing across the open against so strong a post or the position would never have been taken.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 11 February 1919

Regimental number	34929
Occupation	Bushman
Next of kin	Father, David Smith, Roundhill, Colac Bay, Southland
Rank on embarkation	Private
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 20th Reinforcements (2nd Draft), Otago Infantry Regiment, D Company
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board HMNZT Athenic on 30 December 1916
Final rank	Rifleman
Final unit	4th Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade
Medals	Military Medal 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the attack on the Trescault Ridge on 12th September 1918. The advance of our troops was held up by three enemy machine guns and Smith and L/Cpl Gilliam worked round to the flank of the position and then rushed the machine-gunners across the open. They threw bombs into the position and then jumped in and either shot or bayonetted the garrison of three Officers and twelve men. Rifleman Smith showed great gallantry in rushing across the open against so strong a post or the position would never have been taken.' Source: London Gazette Date: 11 February 1919
Sources	Nominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 49, p. 6