The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Daniel D. Smith, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in September and October 1944, in Belgium. Private First Class Smith and a group of comrades occupied an observation post in enemy-held territory to secure detailed information on enemy installations. Although it was necessary to go the and return from the observation post at night under heavy enemy fire, Private First Class Smith and his comrades carried out the ask successfully. As a result of their observations, artillery fire was placed on the enemy, inflicting heavy casualties. During another daring patrol inside enemy territory in Belgium, Private First Class Smith and two companions were the rear guard of a 15-man patrol inside German lines on the lookout for information and prisoners. While the patrol was working its way along, one of its members saw 15 Germans in a position to ambush them. As he gave the warning, Private First Class Smith shot and killed three of the enemy. The third member of the patrol killed another, and the remaining Germans were captured and taken back to Allied lines for information purposes. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class 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.