Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 124 (May 22, 1945)

    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 Elisha V. Smith (ASN: 36620519), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 30th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 April 1945, in Germany. When his platoon was assigned the mission of reconnoitering an enemy town, the enemy was encountered on the outskirts of the town and the platoon engaged them in a fire fight. Private Smith was firing his machine gun within twenty yards of the enemy when his weapon jammed and, while attempting to repair it, he was slightly wounded by enemy fire. Ignoring his wound, he withdrew to cover and succeeded in returning his weapon to action. As the platoon withdrew across an open field, he voluntarily remained behind and took up a position for security on the right flank and remained there until the platoon had safely withdrawn. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private Smith, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.