The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Charles C. Smith (ASN: 0-418976), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 62d Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division. On 10 July 1943, the ship upon which First Lieutenant Smith was a passenger was bombed and strafed by German planes as it prepared to beach near Licate, Sicily. One halftrack was set afire and Lieutenant Smith directed and personally assisted the fire fighting crew. He spent the remainder of the day inside the ship caring for the wounded, completely disregarding further bombing and strafing attacks. His calm courage, absorption in duty in the face of danger, and above all his coolness under fire, was an inspiration to all Army and Navy personnel on board, and helped immeasurably in the sustaining of a high morale during a difficult operation. 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 and the United States Army.