The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class [then Hospitalman] Robert L. Smith (NSN: 6954300), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 5 October 1966. During Operation Prairie, Petty Officer Smith’s platoon was the assault element in the attack upon Hill 484. Upon reaching the hill, the unit immediately sustained several casualties from intense North Vietnamese automatic weapons fire and grenades. Unhesitatingly, Petty Officer Smith advanced to the forward element engaged in the fire fight, and converted an abandoned enemy bunker into an aid station. While treating casualties at this position, he was informed that two Marines were seriously wounded and still under intense enemy fire forward of his position. Although advised to wait until the Marines could be safely removed from their precarious position, Petty Officer Smith ran forward to assist them and, while administering first aid, was seriously wounded in the right arm and had to be evacuated. His untiring efforts and courageous performance in the face of extreme personal danger were instrumental in saving the lives of at least two Marines. By his professional skill, courage, and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Smith upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.