The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant John H. Smith (ASN: RA-6228711), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery A, 11th Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, on 19 July 1950 at Taejon, Korea. A superior number of enemy were surrounding and overrunning American positions at Taejon. The switch board which was keeping communication for the battery was knocked out by enemy shelling. Sergeant Smith voluntarily left his foxhole and reinstalled the switchboard, enabling his unit to fire counterfire. In spite of heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire falling in his area, Sergeant Smith remained at the switchboard until killed in action by enemy mortar fire. Sergeant Smith’s superior devotion to duty and courage in face of great danger reflects the highest credit on himself and the Military Service.