The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Willard B. Smith (ASN: RA-37643353), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. An attack by a rifle company near Haman, Korea, on 9 September 1950, was temporarily halted by fire from a well-emplaced enemy machine gun on a ridge to the front. Deploying his squad to provide diversionary fire, Sergeant First Class Smith moved slowly up the hill in the face of withering hostile fire. As he reached the crest of the hill he neutralized the strongpoint with a well-placed grenade; assembling his squad, he led it in a final assault which completely routed the enemy. Sergeant First Class Smith’s valorous leadership and dauntless determination reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the United States Army.