The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) [then Second Lieutenant] Robert B. Smith (ASN: 0-1319672), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 90th Infantry Division in Northern France. On 15 June 1944 near ****, France, when his platoon was ordered to attack a position defended by a strong enemy force, it came under heavy and accurate machine gun fire. Disregarding his own personal safety Lieutenant Smith moved from position to position, urged his men forward and by his leadership assaulted the position and captured five prisoners, dispersing the remainder of the enemy garrison. He then rapidly reorganized his platoon and continued to his objective notwithstanding the appearance of enemy tanks. His gallant action permitted the advance of other troops and was an outstanding example to his men and was in keeping with the highest military traditions.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert B. Smith (ASN: 0-1319672), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division in action on 16 November 1944 in the vicinity of Distroff, France. During a counterattack by a strong enemy force, the forward Battalion Command Post was placed in an exposed position. First Lieutenant Smith, Anti-Tank Platoon Leader, armed with both rifle and carbine, directed defense. At risk of his life he directed the action against the repeated attacks in such an expert and courageous manner that the enemy was finally repulsed. Hid gallantry was in accordance with high military tradition.