The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Arthur J. Schmidt (ASN: US-55034193), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, 24th Infantry Division, in action near Pangdangdong-ni, Korea, on 13 October 1951. During an assault against determined enemy forces, his company’s advance was halted by intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons and grenade fire. Sergeant Schmidt, Recoilless Rifleman, fearlessly exposed himself to the devastating enemy fire as he set up his weapon and fired into enemy bunkers. So accurate and intense was his fire that he personally killed between twenty and thirty enemy soldiers and contributed immeasurably to the success of his unit’s mission. Sergeant Schmidt’s courageous action, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflect the greatest credit on himself and the U.S. Infantry.