The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Jack E. Smith (MCSN: 109440), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Assistant Machine Gunner of Company I, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 8 December 1950. With his platoon assigned to furnish a base of fire for the assaulting rifle platoon engaged in attacking a ridge defended by a hostile force, consisting of an estimated three to four hundred of the enemy, Private First Class Smith fought gallantly throughout the intense action and, when his gunner was wounded, immediately took over the duties as gunner. Although painfully wounded during the battle, he staunchly refused to be evacuated, remaining steadfastly at his gun to deliver accurate and effective fire and inflict heavy casualties on the enemy. By his daring initiative, heroic fighting spirit and cool courage at great risk to his own life, Private First Class Smith served as an inspiration to all who observed him and contributed materially to the success of the rifle company in seizing the objective. His aggressive and determined actions throughout reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.