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 (Infantry) Robert I. Smith (ASN: 0-1287961), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Fifth Company, Third Regiment, Fist Special Service Force, in action against the enemy at Rome, Italy, on 4 June 1944. Given the mission of seizing one of the several bridges across the Tiber River, First Lieutenant Smith while leading his platoon forward, suddenly became engaged in a fierce fire fight with enemy riflemen and snipers at a street intersection. When an enemy light tank appeared on the scene, he completely disregarded his own safety and led an assault group across an open square, and covered by enemy group with intense fire while at his direction, a grenadier dashed near enough to the tank to toss a grenade into the open turret, silencing the guns. A second enemy tank approached, and using his own fire, he directed a rifle grenadier to a position within effective range, where the grenadier succeeded in knocking the tank out of action. Additional enemy reinforcements arrived, but First Lieutenant Smith continued to engage all targets until forced to withdraw because of the lack of ammunition. After re-supply, he led his platoon to its final objective, the bridge across the Tiber River. The fearless courage and leadership, without regard for his own safety displayed by First Lieutenant Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.