The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Delma Bane Smith (ASN: RA-13234863), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company M, 3d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. During the early morning hours of 29 November 1950, near Yong Dong-myon, Korea, Sergeant First Class Smith reconnoitered the area assigned to his machine gun section and deployed the weapons at vantage points for an expected hostile assault. As the onrushing enemy engulfed the position, he constantly exposed himself to intense small arms fire and directed the section’s defense so effectively that the enemy was forced to withdraw. When the enemy launched a second assault, he again exposed himself to direct his men and, despite close proximity grenade attack, resolutely maintained his position until the foe was driven to flight. Sergeant First Class Smith’s courageous leadership was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.