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 Technical Sergeant Elza R. Smith, United States Army, for gallantry in action on 18 April 1942. During an intense bombardment of Corregidor by enemy batteries on Bataan, a shell fragment cut the halyard of the fortress flag. As the colors descended, Sergeant Smith and two comrades ran to the pole, gathered the flag in their arms, and kept it from touching the ground. Working fast, despite the furious shelling, they repaired the halyard and raised the flag again. The conspicuous act of gallantry was an inspiration to the heroic defenders of the Philippines.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Technical Sergeant Elza R. Smith (ASN: 6523514), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Philippine Islands in 1942.