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 Henry Smooke (ASN: 32690066), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 26 December 1944 in Luxembourg. On that date, while serving as a member of a tank destroyer section attached to a rifle regiment attacking the heavily defended town of Kehmen, Luxembourg, Private Smooke observed a friendly tank burning on a ridge exposed to mortar and small arms fire. With utter disregard for his own safety, he and a companion, ignoring the intense enemy fire, crawled and ran to the aid of three men trapped within the tank, one of whom they withdrew to safety, returning later to attempt to save the remaining two men hopelessly trapped within the tank. Despite painful burns received, Private Smooke continued in a vain effort to extricate the men. The heroic bravery, determination, and loyal devotion to duty displayed by Private Smooke were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.