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 L. T. Smith (ASN: 34420361), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 23 February 1945, in Germany. When all the members of his machine gun squad became casualties from mines encountered in a heavily wooded area through which they were advancing, Private First Class Smith unhesitatingly picked up the entire squad’s equipment and continued forward with a machine gun strapped to his back and cans of water and ammunition in his hands. Following his section leader who forced a path through the hazardous woods, Private First Class Smith set up his machine gun within sight of the objective and provided vital covering fire for the advancing riflemen. His heroic action was an important contribution to the success of his unit and was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Army.