Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Roy E. Smith (ASN: RA-14330837), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Wol-li, Korea, on 4 February 1951. Company L, to which his machine gun squad was attached, had taken its objective and had set up in a defensive perimeter for the night. At about 0030 hours the enemy made the first of four fanatical attacks on the company positions using mortars and machine guns in support. Having ben repulsed in his first three attempts, the enemy withdrew to regroup for another assault. As the attack progressed and grew in intensity, first one gunner and then another became a casualty leaving an all important weapon unmanned. Corporal Smith, observing that the gun had gone out of action and that the sector was about to be overrun, voluntarily left his own covered position and exposed himself to enemy fire to make his way to the gun and put it back into action. Time and again the enemy stormed his position in an effort to silence his gun but he held his ground, all the while pouring a withering fire into the enemy’s ranks. With the enemy a scant 25 yards from his position he was severely wounded, but refused to leave the gun and when last seen by his comrades was still firing and taking a heavy toll in enemy lives. Corporal Smith’s courageous actions, devotion to duty, and exemplary leadership reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army Infantry.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 317 (1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Roy E. Smith, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division in Korea. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.