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 First Sergeant Peter L. Smith, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during ground combat operations against the enemy, while serving with the 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, in Fallujah, Iraq, from 11 to 13 November 2004. First Sergeant Smith’s courageous leadership in an intense, close fight ensured the success of his unit and directly led to the defeat of foreign fighters in Fallujah. In a 72-hour period, he conducted the evacuation of his Company Executive Officer from the center of an intense RPB ambush, to return to prepare for another fight, and then after losing his Company Commander, lead the company fore another eighteen hours of intense street-to-street and house-to-house fighting. Whether performing combat casualty evacuation of injured soldiers under fire or leading his Company in combat as the only surviving senior leader, his heroism inspired those around him to close with and destroy the enemy. First Sergeant Smith’s dedication to his fellow Soldiers on the battlefield upholds the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, Task Force DANGER, Multi-National Corps Iraq, and the United States Army.