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 Jack M. Smythe (ASN: RA-13276026), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1950 near Kwonbin-ni, Korea. To eliminate the possibilities of valuable ammunition and equipment from falling into the hands of a hard pressing enemy during his battalion’s withdrawal to new positions, Private Smythe volunteered to make a lone stand against the enemy. Arming himself with a 3.5 inch rocket launcher and three cases of ammunition he remained in the exposed position, effectively firing upon the enemy until all rockets had been expended. Returning, he loaded a 1/4 ton vehicle with weapons and a maximum of ammunition. The remainder he destroyed, thereby preventing its capture by the enemy. Only then did he leave the area for a position of greater safety. The gallantry displayed by Private Smythe reflects the greatest credit upon himself and the United States Infantry.