The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Elmer W. Smith, Jr. (ASN: 36948325), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 26 March 1945, in Germany. Although he was painfully wounded in three places, Private First Class Smith refused to be evacuated and continued on in the attack, helping in taking the objective. He captured three of the enemy and aided in capturing six more. Private First Class Smith took his turn at guard during the night and would not go for medical aid until the next morning. 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.

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 Elmer W. Smith, Jr. (ASN: 36948325), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 15 January 1945, in Belgium. When the forward elements of their platoon was pinned down by a heavy hail of enemy machine gun fire, Private Smith and his comrades boldly moved across a road to a position where they could fire on the enemy. Although they had little cover and the enemy was greatly superior in numbers and firepower, they fought back savagely, thereby diverting the enemy’s attention and allowing another platoon to advance. Their gallantry was an important contribution to the later taking of the enemy strong point and the advance of their company. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private 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.