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 Sergeant [then Corporal] Preston R. Smith (ASN: 6977340), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943 During an attack against heavily fortified enemy positions, Sergeant Smith exposed himself to the enemy and effectively directed fire on enemy mortar emplacements. Later, he again exposed himself and aided a wounded soldier, evacuating him to a place of safety. Sergeant Smith’s 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
CorporalBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
26th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 24 (May 29, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Preston R. Smith (ASN: 6977340), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during the period from January to May 1943. Despite intense enemy machine gun fire, Corporal Smith, leader of a 60-mm. mortar squad, skillfully directed the fire of his mortar and completely destroyed several enemy machine gun and mortar emplacements, thereby expediting the rapid advance of his unit. 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.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
CorporalBatallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
26th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
January 20, 1943
Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 31 (October 15, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Preston R. Smith (ASN: 6977340), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Djebel Chemal, in North Africa, on 20 January 1943. Corporal Smith, despite the great hazards involved, voluntarily led a small patrol deep within enemy territory and skillfully observed enemy installations. The completeness and accuracy of his reports were of great assistance to his unit in defeating the enemy. Corporal Smith’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.