The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Nelson W. Smith (ASN: 31410126), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 302d Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany. On 13 March 1945, during their attack on the German town of Holzerath, heavy enemy fire from the second story window of a nearby house caused the assaulting forces to seek cover. With complete disregard for personal safety, Staff Sergeant Smith dashed across the fire-swept field, killed one German and forced others to retreat when they attempted to halt his advance. Reaching the dwelling, he jumped through a window and firing rapidly through the ceiling forced three more enemy to surrender. Forcing these to lie on the floor he engaged enemy troops in the adjacent house until his platoon advanced and captured the positions. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff Sergeant 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.