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 Robert K. Smith (ASN: 37723060), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 4 March 1945 in Germany. On that date, Private Smith, a rifleman serving as an aid man, accompanied a battle patrol near Flebein, Germany. When one of the patrol was wounded, Private Smith dropped behind to dress his wounds and when he later located the patrol he found it surrounded by enemy soldiers. Realizing his mission, he infiltrated to his comrades in order to render aid to all casualties and when the patrol broke free and returned to Flebein, he accompanied it until wounded during an artillery concentration. Private Smith’s courage and sincere 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.