The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Joseph P. Smith (ASN: 0-449245), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 999th Armored Field Artillery Battalion (Motorized), 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 January 1951, while flying an unarmed aircraft on a mission over enemy-held territory near Suwon, Korea, Lieutenant Smith observed the 25th Infantry Division advancing toward enemy positions. Flying his plane at a dangerously low altitude, he dropped a message advising the friendly troops of the enemy’s defenses. After landing his plane near the command post, he advised the commanding officer of the enemy troop concentrations, thereby preventing a possible ambush. Continuing on a surveillance mission near Osan-ni, Korea, he spotted Turkish infantry troops advancing on an enemy concentration of approximately three hundred troops. With no regard for his own safety, Lieutenant Smith landed his plane on a narrow, icy road within range of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire and advised the Turkish elements of the enemy’s presence. With this information, the Turkish forces attacked the hostile positions, inflicting numerous casualties on the enemy. Lieutenant Smith’s gallant actions and devotion to duty reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.