Additional information on his action comes from U.S. Navy General Order No. 202, dated April 6, 1916, which restates a report of the first division officer of the USS New York:

"On January 24, 1916, the sanitary tank in compartment A-12 was opened up for the purpose of routine cleaning. This tank has drains from the torpedo room, chain locker, and anchor engine room, and the air is foul, as the tank is inadquately vented. R. M. Traynor, plumber and fitter, was sent down to make an examination of the drains and suction valves and reported that the air was too foul for men to work in the tank.

After W. L. Campbell, coxswain in the first division, in charge of the working partery, consisting of P. J. Walsh, J. Paone, and L. L. Nerling, ordinary seamen, thought the tank sufficiently aired, he attempted to have it cleaned out, adn Walsh went down to work in the tank. A hose had been let down into the tank from No. 1 handling room to wash out the tank, and this was now shut off by Nerling and Paone. Campbell endeavored to get Walsh out, but was not successful.

In the meantime Wilhelm Smith, gunner's mate, first class, in charge of the handling room, procured a rope, and, although he is a large man and could only with great difficulty squeeze himself through the manhole into A-12, went down into the tank and put the line around Walsh. He then came up and was overcome by the foul air and had to be hauled out unconscious. Both he and Walsh were taken to the sick bay and resuscitated with a pulmotor.

In doing this, Smith not only saved the life of Walsh, who could not have been resuscitated if he had been allowed to remain any longer, but he took a very great risk of not being able to get back himself through the manhole on account of his being stout. He weighs about 192 pounds and is short, and the manhole is a small one."

The Navy General Order then also quotes from the report of the New York's commanding officer: "Peter J. Walsh, ordinary seaman, undoubtedly owes his life to the prompt and heroic action of Wilhelm Smith, gunner's mate, first class, who unhesitatingly risked his own in order save that of his shipmate. Such action is a shining example of fearlessness, unselfishness, and heroism, and merits the highest commendation and praise. It is recommended that the department award Smith a medal of honor..."