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) Russell E. Smith (ASN: 0-1311337), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 26 March 1944. Returning to the American lines after the patrol of which he was a member had been ambushed, First Lieutenant Smith organized a squad and led it forward in an effort to rescue the first unit. During the fight that followed, his squad killed at least fifteen Japanese but was forced to withdraw when faced by a numerically superior force. He displayed resourcefulness and courage in getting all members of his patrol back safely. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Smith, 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.