The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Robert H. Smith (ASN: 0-1062438), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 318th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 14 February 1945 in Germany. Although harassed by severe hostile fire Lieutenant Smith, Regimental Combat Patrol Leader, proceeded to lead his patrol through enemy lines to Crutchen, Germany. When the assistant leader was wounded he crawled through intense fire to rescue him. While doing this he observed many enemy positions and destroyed a machine gun emplacement. His courage and 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.