The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John R. Smolos (ASN: 33757152), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 24 December 1944 in Luxembourg. During an engagement with the enemy on 24 December 1944, the tank in which Private First Class Smolos was a member was strafed by enemy aircraft, wounding a comrade who was on the outside of the tank. Members of the crew, seeing the helpless condition of the injured soldier, began to dismount from the tank to assist him when enemy planes suddenly strafed again, inflicting serious injuries to Private First Class Smolos. With utter disregard for his own safety and despite his wounds Private First Class Smolos crawled to where his comrade lay and aided his movement to a place of safety. His courage, determination, and unselfish devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.