The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant William A. Smith (ASN: 37158821), 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. Technical Sergeant Smith was accompanying the company’s command group during the crossing of the Roer River. After making his way through a dense mine field in a woods, he noticed one of the platoons had suffered heavy casualties and the platoon leader and the noncommissioned officer who had taken command were also casualties. Voluntarily taking command of the group, Technical Sergeant Smith reorganized them and led them forward in spite of heavy enemy fire and quickly overran an enemy position, killing ten of the enemy and capturing fifteen others. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Technical 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.