The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edwin P. Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-412097), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Underwater Demolition Team ONE and serving with Special Operations Group, Amphibious Group ONE, Pacific Fleet, in night demolition raids against targets 200 to 300 miles behind enemy lines on the east coast of North Korea during the period 12 to 16 August 1950. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Smith particularly distinguished himself. Serving as a scout and swimmer for the Special Operations Group, he swam ashore from a rubber boat in the face of unknown enemy opposition, reconnoitered each objective area and then signaled the balance of the raiding group to land their rubber boats. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Smith then supervised the rigging of each objective for demolition and remained ashore after the raider group had left the beach to pull fuses and initiate each explosion. As a result of his conspicuous and outstanding bravery during three demolition raids, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Smith materially assisted in the destruction of three railroad tunnels and two railroad bridges along the enemy main coastal line of supply and communications. His bravery, gallantry, and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.