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 Chester E. Smith (ASN: RA-16005912), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 and 19 May 1953, in the vicinity of Naerin-ch’on, Korea. Company G was in a perimeter defense when ordered to withdraw. During the withdrawal , Corporal Smith’s unit walked into an ambush. Under heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire, Corporal Smith aggressively returned fire in an effort to cover the withdrawal. Disregarding the danger of the murderous fire, he moved to higher ground from which he observed the enemy preparing roadblock positions. Knowing that his company was going to use the trail, he remained in his position despite an impending danger of artillery and mortar fire. After careful scrutiny of the enemy movements, he infiltrated enemy lines to warn his company of this second ambush. His action enabled Company G to escape the trap. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Smith reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.