The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ellis Smith (ASN: 34332383), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 323d Infantry Regiment, 81st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on Peleliu Island, Palau Group, on 23 October 1944. During the early morning a concentration of enemy mortar and machine gun fire caused several casualties on the right flank of the platoon in which Private First Class Smith was an automatic rifleman. The enemy followed with an attack in an effort to break through the weakened flank. Private First Class Smith, although grievously wounded, continued to fire his automatic rifle with such devastating effect that the attack was repulsed. The heroic action of Private First Class Smith prevented a breakthrough and drove the enemy from a position from which heavy casualties would have been inflicted on our troops. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Smith, 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.