The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph R. Smith, Jr. (ASN: 14117489), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 315th Infantry Regiment, 79th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 25 March 1945 in Germany. Private Smith was a member of a patrol which went into enemy territory to discover the location of enemy artillery pieces which were holding up his company’s advance. The artillery was so cleverly concealed that the patrol was unable to locate the positions until Private Smith stood up and walked into the open. Although he was killed instantly by point-blank enemy fire, the remainder of the patrol was able to return to friendly lines with the vital information. The extreme bravery and devotion to duty displayed by Private Smith in sacrificing his life to insure the success of his mission reflect highest credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.