The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class James F. Smith, United States Army, for gallantry in action 3 July 1966, while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in support of operations in the Republic of Vietnam. While on patrol, Specialist Fourth Class Smith’s unit discovered an enemy base camp close to the Cambodian border and was ambushed by a large enemy force. Specialist Fourth Class Smith went prone next to a comrade shot through the pelvis. Without regard for his own personal safety, Specialist Fourth Class Smith exposed himself to cut a piece of cloth from his shirt, using it as a bandage to stop the bleeding, thus saving the man’s life. Later, Specialist Fourth Class Smith ran into the open field, again exposing himself to heavy fire, to retrieve weapons and ammunition from both dead enemy and American Soldiers for the remaining few men to defend their positions. Though completely surrounded and badly wounded himself, Specialist Fourth Class Smith continued to fearlessly engage the enemy until help arrived. Specialist Fourth Class Smith’s actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.