The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fifth Class James Moore Smith (ASN: RA-18950684), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Air Cavalry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 24 March 1968. Specialist Fifth Class Smith distinguished himself in the Province of Quan Houng Vang, Republic of Vietnam. During a combat operation in a mountainous area, Company D came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from a well entrenched North Vietnamese force. In the initial burst of fire a member of the company was wounded and separated from his company by a firing lane. Specialist Smith with complete disregard for his own safety crossed the firing lane to assist his comrade. Successfully crossing the firing lane Specialist Smith realized the man was already dead and, when he tried to pull the man back, he came under intense automatic weapons fire. Specialist Smith moved forward and destroyed the enemy bunker complex and again moved back to recover the dead man. As Specialist Smith attempted to drag the man to the rear he again came under intense fire and was forced to withdraw. Specialist Fifth Class Smith’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.