The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) Charles G. Smither (ASN: 0-1303564), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 17 December 1944 to 19 December 1944, in Belgium. Although three was extreme danger of running into large bodies of the enemy or being mistaken by friendly troops due to the fluid situation existing, Major Smither gallantly set out in the night to contact elements of his unit. He personally cleared a roadblock and continued on his mission until he contacted his battalion. Major Smither’s heroic actions aided in greatly reducing the enemy threat and placing the battalion in a position to launch an attack. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Smither, 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.