The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Carl M. Smith, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on New Georgia Island, on 30 July 1943. Sergeant Smith’s alert action in the face of heavy enemy fire was responsible for bringing reinforcements to his machinegun section when it was isolated from the rest of the company. To reach the main body of troops, he had to travel 3200 yards of terrain under close observation from Japanese snipers, but he accomplished his mission and returned with a rifle squad which pinned down the enemy forces sufficiently to permit a successful withdrawal. He also crawled into an open, fire-swept area to rescue a wounded soldier. Sergeant Smith’s 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.