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 Sergeant Robert J. Smith, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, in action on 5 July 2007, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. Sergeant Smith’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD;
On 5 July 2007, Able Company, 2d Battalion, 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment air assaulted into the village of Tsangar to conduct a Search and Attack in order to disrupt Taliban and Al Qaeda forces in the Watapor Valley. Staff Sergeant Smith was responsible for 2d Squad and took on the additional duty of acting Platoon Sergeant for the mission. After reaching the initial overwatch position, Staff Sergeant Smith took a team to provide local security for an Afghan National Army (ANA) element which was conducting the search. While out of visual contact of the main body, the ANA and U.S. security made contact with a team-sized element of Anti-Coalition Militia (ACM)), at least one of whom was wearing an ANA uniform. Staff Sergeant Smith had to regain contact with the ANA and provide covering fire for them while under fire himself. His calm, clear-headed decision making and terrain analysis allowed his element to regain contact with the ANA and avoid a very likely possibility of fratricide. While still taking small arms fire, Staff Sergeant Smith consolidated the ANA and U.S. positions and began supervising the care of First Lieutenant Colunga, who suffered a gunshot wound in the initial contact. After the enemy threat was neutralized and the casualty MEDEVAC’ed, the Platoon finished the search of Tsangar and moved to a security position near HLZ PROPOSED. At approximately 1600 hour, the enemy conducted a well-resources and coordinated deliberate attack on the platoon from multiple fronts, using well-concealed positions ranging from 50 to 200 meters outside friendly lines. The enemy initiated with small arms, PKM, RPG and extremely accurate sniper fire to inflict two KIA and three WIA on the portion of the perimeter manned by Staff Sergeant Smith’s squad. Staff Sergeant Smith immediately took charge of the situation and at great personal risk to himself, maneuvered up to his Squad’s position and began redirecting the remainder of his squad in holding off the enemy assault, while trying to identify the sniper position that had already injured three of his Squad members. He then ensured that a hasty CCP was established and got an initial assessment of the casualties. ICOM intercepts indicated that an enemy force of 30 to 80 personnel was attempting to overrun the security position. The enemy placed a heavy volume of effective fires in and around the perimeter, and came to within hand grenade range before the Platoon was able to halt their advance. Throughout the contact, which lasted several hours, Staff Sergeant Smith moved constantly between the CCP and the security line giving critical updates to the Platoon Leader. He simultaneously directed his own men on the defensive perimeter, since both of his team leaders were among the wounded. All of this was without regard to the hail of enemy fire and RPG strikes only feet from his position. His calm, rational demeanor came through and provided the perfect example to the Paratroopers defending the position. His accurate and timely assessments and execution of orders were crucial to his Platoon Leader and Company Commander’s decision making. Once the Platoon Leader made the decision to evacuate the casualties, Staff Sergeant Smith began an arduous movement over unforgiving mountain terrain. He ensured that security was maintained in spite of the extreme fatigue of all involved, as the element was still receiving sporadic sniper fire. Staff Sergeant Smith demonstrated unparalleled leadership qualities. Despite the fact that he had both Team Leaders WIA and one man KIA, he maintained a fighting force at the Squad level that repelled the enemy. Beyond that, he played an absolutely critical role for the Platoon itself as the acting Platoon Sergeant. He conducted himself like a consummate Paratrooper, whose mission focus and courage under extremely intense enemy fire provided an example for all and set conditions for victory.