The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class John I. Smith, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving as Platoon Sergeant with the 3d Platoon, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), in action in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan, on 16 August 2008. While conducting a mission to recover wounded Afghan National Policemen, Sergeant First Class John Smith’s element came under heavy fire. He suppressed fire while maneuvering his element to cover. One of Sergeant First Class Smith’s teammates was wounded and stranded so he quickly assembled two medics to accompany him on a rescue. Sergeant First Class Smith’s leadership and courage directly resulted in saving the life of a fellow Soldier. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.