The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Leroy W. Smith (ASN: 0-2200013), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 10 December 1950, Lieutenant Smith, with five men penetrated known enemy positions in the vicinity of Hamhung, Korea, and operated behind the enemy lines for a period of fifty two hours. During this period he reconnoitered the village of Ansori, where he was twice engaged in fire fights with enemy outposts and patrols. By his calm decisive manner, leadership, and courage under fire, Lieutenant Smith succeeded on both occasions in disengaging his patrol without casualties. Although it was apparent that his presence behind enemy lines was now known to the enemy, Lieutenant Smith led his patrol to the village of Samgo-ri, known to be garrisoned by five hundred enemy troops. After ascertaining the disposition of these forces, and thoroughly reconnoitering the area, he returned to the American lines with his patrol intact. His superior leadership and aggressive spirit, as evidenced by his refusal to terminate the patrol when detected, enabled his group to secure vital information, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
First Lieutenant (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
7th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
February 13, 1951
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 382 (August 27, 1951)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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Leroy W. Smith (ASN: 0-2200013), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 13 February 1951, near Sangson-ni, Korea, Lieutenant Smith was leading his platoon in an attack upon a well-entrenched enemy when his unit was suddenly pinned down by accurate and intense enemy machine gun fire. Unable to sight the enemy weapon from his position, Lieutenant Smith stood up, and using field glasses to observe, perilously exposed himself to the hostile fire until the entrenchment was located. Picking up a light machine gun and placing the belt over his shoulder, Lieutenant Smith boldly rushed the enemy position pouring a hail of fire upon it until the hostile weapon was silenced. His platoon was then able to continue its advance, but an enemy mortar concentration was thrown upon its position, severely wounding Lieutenant Smith in the back and chest. Nevertheless, he encouraged and urged his men to take their objective. In dauntlessly destroying the enemy machine gun position, Lieutenant Smith was vitally instrumental to the success of his unit’s overall mission. Lieutenant Smith’s outstanding aggressiveness and gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.