(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Robert E. Smith (ASN: 20452745), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations in 1944 and 1945. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Smith, 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.

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 Staff Sergeant Robert E. Smith (ASN: 20452745), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 February 1945, in Germany. When intense enemy automatic and small arms fire coming from a chateau stopped Staff Sergeant Smith’s platoon, he advanced through the fire and entered the building. He fired a burst from his sub-machine gun at the enemy but they escaped to the cellar. As five of the enemy were filing up from the cellar in surrender, one threw a hand grenade, stunning and wounding Staff Sergeant Smith. However, he quickly covered the five before they could escape. Eleven more enemy surrendered, realizing that escape was impossible. Staff Sergeant Smith’s gallant action permitted his platoon to advance and seize its objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant Smith, 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.