The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant David M. Smith (MCSN: 459731), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Twentieth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Saipan Island in the Marianas Group on 6 July 1944. When the advance of the entire battalion was held up on the edge of a sharp precipice by shattering volleys of hostile machine-gun and rifle fire from caves located in a cliff, Sergeant Smith fearlessly risked his life to lead a detail of demolition men down the treacherous face of the shear wall in a bold and determined effort to clear the caves. Pressing forward over terrain so difficult that supporting fire was impossible, he made a valiant attempt to place an explosive charge in one of the caves, but was instantly killed by enemy gunfire while executing his perilous task. An indomitable fighter, Sergeant Smith, by his intrepid initiative and resolute leadership, contributed materially to the final crushing of Japanese resistance in this area, and his self-sacrificing devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.