The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) Robert W. Smithson (ASN: 0-1184153), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, Headquarters Battery, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 28 January 1951 in the Wonju-Hoengsong, Korea, area. Captain Smithson’s battery was among the armor-infantry-artillery patrols dispatched from the vicinity of Wonju with the mission of entering Hoengsong, moving as far north into enemy territory as time would permit, seeking out the enemy forces, and striking deep into enemy-held territory with artillery fire. The route from Wonju north was infested with guerillas and mine fields, and was subjected to enemy attacks in force. Captain Smithson wisely stripped his battery or everything except those tactical elements absolutely required to move, communicate, and shoot with the least possible delay. About three miles north of Wonju, the Battery came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. Captain Smithson immediately dispersed his vehicles and men for direct support of the infantry elements ahead. Thee leadership and initiative displayed by Captain Smithson was primarily responsible for the minimum of casualties sustained by his troops. The gallant conduct displayed by Captain Smithson reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.