(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Howard Norrington Smalley, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action against the enemy at Leyte, Philippine Islands, in February 1945. While commanding a reinforced battalion against stubbornly resisting Japanese forces in Leyte, Lieutenant Colonel Smalley’s unit recaptured Villaba Village during a fierce three-day engagement by attacking from the north and joining another battalion from the south. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Smalley, 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.