Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

371st Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army

Lieutenant Smith led a patrol on a mission to capture enemy prisoners. At daybreak he moved his patrol forward so effectively, through in full view of the enemy and on mined terrain, that he was able to surprise and capture an enemy sentry. Lieutenant Smith then entered an enemy-held house where he captured an unattended machine gun. The enemy in the house, alerted by the noise of the patrol, rushed toward their gun positions, throwing hand grenades at the patrol. The patrol quickly killed all of the enemy with hand grenades and sub-machine gun fire. Then, as hostile mortar and machine gun fire opened up outside the house, Lieutenant Smith withdrew all his men without a casualty.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

371st Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army

Lieutenant Smith was the leader of a squad committed to assist in taking his company’s initial objective. Passing through one platoon which had suffered numerous casualties, he seized his objective under heavy enemy artillery and machine gun fire. Using the balance of his platoon he then captured nine enemy soldiers from well fortified positions which commanded the ridge of approach. Still under increasing enemy fire, Lieutenant Smith then used another squad to capture a second enemy position which yielded numerous small arms threatening the entire left flank of the company’s objective. His intrepid determination in his desire to close with the enemy and destroy him exemplified the highest gallantry of the American soldier.

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leaf Cluster to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.