The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Travis L. Smith (ASN: 38386118), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 823d Tank Destroyer Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944, in France. Sergeant Smith was serving as a cannoneer with a tank destroyer organization engaged in supporting an infantry unit bitterly attempting to repel a vigorous enemy counterattack. During a fierce action, an enemy shell hit the gun which Sergeant Smith was serving. However, Sergeant Smith, with complete disregard for his own safety, remained at his post and continued to man the battered gun until an enemy tank had been destroyed and the enemy counterattack considerably slowed up. The result of his personal determination. The courage, tenacity of purpose, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Smith reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.