The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Corps of Engineers) Elwyn W. Smith (ASN: 0-1103936), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, France, on 8 November 1944. Troops attacking east of the **** River were urgently in need of supplies, and bridging of the river was imperative. Captain Smith was directing the placing of treadways for the project when an enemy machine gun nest, well-hidden on adjacent high ground, opened fire and forced work on the bridge to cease, pinning down Captain Smith and his men. As the fire from the enemy emplacement halted briefly, Captain Smith summoned his men back to their work and ordered the manning of the .50 caliber machine gun to protect the group as it endeavored to place the second treadway into position. Crowbar in hand, Captain Smith was himself working at the second treadway when the enemy machine gun again opened fire, answered by a volley from Captain Smith’s emplacement at the bridge site. Four times, Captain Smith defied the harassing fire of the enemy and encouraged his men to ignore the enemy fire and complete their task. While himself assisting in the work of placing the remaining treadway in place, and directing the completion of the assignment amid the enemy fire, Captain Smith was seriously wounded. His gallant determination, leadership, devotion to duty and disregard of personal safety, enabled completion of the vital bridge. 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.