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 Private First Class Leonard G. Smith (ASN: RA-16242513), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 1 September 1950 in the vicinity of Songha-Dong, Korea. During the dark, early morning hours of 1 September 1950, the enemy, under cover of artillery, mortar, and direct tank fire, launched a strong attack against a platoon of Company C. The squad of which Private Smith was assistant squad leader had several casualties in the initial action, and communication with the remainder of the platoon was severed by enemy fire. Voluntarily, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Private Smith left his position, dashed across the exposed terrain swept by intense enemy fire, contacted his Platoon Leader to procure aid for his wounded comrades. Shortly after the completion of this mission, he was severely wounded by enemy hand grenades. With his last effort, he charged an enemy heavy machine gun position and killed the entire crew with point blank fire at a distance of less than 30 feet, before he fell mortally wounded. His indomitable will and his outstanding gallantry in sacrificing his life to protect his comrades, provide a lasting tribute to himself and to the Infantry, and reflect great credit upon the Armed Forces of the United States.