The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Lloyd M. Smith, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 45th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy, on 15 December 1943. When a well placed enemy machine gun blocked the advance of his Infantry company during an attack on a hill, Sergeant Smith deployed his platoon, and, armed with four grenades, moved along under heavy enemy fire over open terrain to a position near the enemy gun. He attacked with his grenades, disabling the gun and killing the crew. This cleared the way for the rest of his unit and made possible the occupation of the objective. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.