Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    35th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 3, 1950

    Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 85 (January 29, 1951)

    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 Corporal John W. Smith (ASN: RA-19334217), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 3 September 1950, Corporal Smith volunteered to join a convoy attempting to deliver hot food to an infantry battalion which had been isolated near Haman, Korea. As the convoy proceeded along a mountain road it was subjected to withering hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire from commanding positions. Dismounting from the vehicle, he engaged the enemy in a fire fight; after the positions became untenable and displacement was ordered, he remained to cover the withdrawal. He continued to provide covering fire for his comrades until he was mortally wounded. Corporal Smith’s intrepid actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.