The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Ray E. Smith (MCSN: 351015), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Cape Gloucester, New Britain, on 29 December 1943. When the troops had expended all available hand grenades during a fierce assault and an emergency call was made to the rear for additional ammunition, Private First Class Smith promptly loaded his jeep with hand grenades and drove within fifty yards of the enemy positions. Despite hostile machine-gun and rifle fire, he coolly distributed grenades to the troops and, returning to the ammunition dump, twice performed this daring and hazardous mission. Private First Class Smith’s courageous initiative and selfless conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.