The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Grover C. Smith, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 36th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Italy on 3 February 1944. Lieutenant Smith, leader of an Infantry heavy machinegun platoon, which had been reduced to section strength, was attached to an Infantry company in support of a night attack on a hill. When the attack began, he pressed his platoon forward until it was advancing with the leading elements of the company. Near the crest of the ridge the company commander, along with part of his leading platoon, bypassed a sleeping enemy machine gunner in the darkness. Suddenly awakening, the enemy gunner began to direct his fire into the backs of the company commander and his men. Observing the first movement of the enemy soldier, Lieutenant Smith hurled a hand grenade into the emplacement, destroying the machine gun and killing the gunner. Despite a resultant hail of enemy fire he continued to lead his unit to the crest, immediately setting up his weapons in a strong defensive line to hold the gained 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.