The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Daniel W. Smith (MCSN: 458513), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Gunner in a Tank Crew of the Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, during operations against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, from 15 June to 9 July 1944. When his tank received fire from the rear as it boldly advanced into the Japanese lines to attack three hostile dual-purpose gun positions, Corporal Smith quickly located the enemy gun and immediately destroyed one of them. Continuing to man his weapon with skill and courage as the tank advanced on the remaining positions, he successfully destroyed the second gun and crippled the third. Forced to abandon the tank when it received fatal hits and he himself sustained a broken arm, Corporal Smith braved heavy enemy rifle fire to make his way five hundred yards to friendly lines. His fortitude, technical skill and zealous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.