Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal [then Private First Class]

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 26, 1952

    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 295 (September 10, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Albert J. Smith (ASN: US-53061340), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 26 July 1952, the 1st Platoon of Company F was assigned the mission of assaulting the enemy outpost “Cavite” near Koyangdae, Korea, and capturing prisoners for intelligence purposes. As they neared the hostile positions the enemy opened up with a heavy barrage of automatic weapons and small arms fire; stopping the platoon temporarily. Corporal Smith, an automatic rifleman, realizing that the entire assault wave was halted and that heavy casualties would be inflicted if the enemy’s fire was not neutralized, completely disregarded his personal safety and moved from his position of cover, exposing himself to the lethal enemy fire to get to a point from which he could fire more effectively into the hostile positions. Upon reaching his objective he placed heavy automatic weapons fire on the enemy positions, forcing the foe to seek cover and allowing the platoon to continue its assault. When the friendly force was ordered to withdraw, Corporal Smith unhesitatingly moved to the rear to provide covering fire for his comrades as they moved from the enemy outpost. With deadly accuracy he covered the area with a withering hail of fire, forcing the enemy to stay under cover and allowing the platoon to withdraw safely. His courageous initiative and untiring devotion to duty were instrumental in the successful completion of his platoon’s mission and its withdrawal with a minimum of casualties. Corporal Smith’s outstanding gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.