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 Walter Smothers, Jr. (ASN: RA-18292498), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company F, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 15 September 1950, near the Nam River in Korea, the platoon with which Sergeant First Class Smothers was serving bore the brunt of an attack by a numerically superior hostile force. Repeatedly exposing himself to the heavy action, he delivered effective small arms fire on the enemy. When the position became untenable and displacement was ordered he remained to cover the withdrawal, inflicting severe casualties on the foe. Sergeant First Class Smothers’ valorous conduct and staunch devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.