The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Douglas M. Smith (MCSN: 0-8520), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 21 September 1944. When an intense barrage of machine-gun and mortar fire from a hidden enemy position inflicted heavy casualties among personnel, Captain Smith courageously proceeded through the hazardous area at great risk to reorganize his unit and, personally locating the concealed Japanese installations, directed his men in delivering accurate fire against them, thereby contributing in large measure to the final destruction of these enemy batteries. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty throughout this dangerous operation were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.