The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] William E. Smith (ASN: US-55111474), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 3 September 1951 3 September 1951 in the vicinity of Mandeau-san, Korea. On that date, after setting up defensive positions on dominating terrain, Corporal Smith, a rifleman, noticed one of his comrades being assaulted by several enemy soldiers. Completely disregarding his own safety he left his position and charged through the intense small-arms, automatic weapons, and grenade fire into the face of the enemy firing his weapon point-blank and killing the enemy. As a result of his fierce attack and intrepid actions, the enemy was forced into a disorderly withdrawal and the life of his comrade was saved. The gallantry in action and outstanding devotion to his wounded comrade displayed by Corporal Smith on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.