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 Gordon L. Smink (ASN: 33062926), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 15 March 1944. Completely surrounded by the enemy with his gunner severely wounded, Corporal Smink single-handedly repulsed repeated attacks, launched from all directions against his strategic pillbox. When a burst of fire damaged his heavy machine gun, he seized a rifle and killed three Japanese who attempted to storm his position. With dogged determination, Corporal Smink pinned down the enemy until reinforcements came to his aid. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Smink, 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.