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 (Infantry) Albert Woodrow Smith (ASN: 0-2262340), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 17 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. On that date his company had attacked and secured high ground overlooking the Naktong River. A force of approximately 25 enemy soldiers approached the company’s right flank from a defilade position along the back of a small stream. Lieutenant Smith voluntarily and immediately led a one-squad combat patrol against the enemy. Fearlessly exposing himself to intense hostile small arms fire he led his men to within grenade range of the enemy positions. Inspired by his intrepidity under fire his squad closed with the enemy and succeeded in eliminating all resistance, thereby securing the company’s right flank. The gallantry and aggressive leadership displayed by Lieutenant Smith reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Albert Woodrow Smith (ASN: 0-2262340), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 30 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kunu-ri, Korea. On that date he was the leader of a reinforced rifle platoon which had the mission of protecting the positions of a field artillery battalion. All United Nations forces in the vicinity were engaged in a general withdrawal all along the front and the tactical situation was so critical that the artillery unit was forced to destroy its guns in position and join the retrograde movement. Lieutenant Smith, with complete disregard for his personal safety, remained to the rear of the artillery, directing the defensive tactics of his platoon and fighting off repeated enemy attacks. Behind his covering screen the artillery battalion completed the destruction of its weapons and moved out, completing the first phase of its withdrawal, in safety. His action in remaining behind was deliberate and voluntary, since he was well aware that his position would soon be surrounded by the enemy, who were advancing in overwhelming numbers. Lieutenant Smith’s gallantry and utter disregard of the numerically superior forces arrayed against him reflect the highest credit upon himself are in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.