The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Robert E. Smith (MCSN: 1097436), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 20 September 1951. When a machine gunner became a casualty during an early morning attack by a strong enemy force, Corporal Smith bravely moved through a hail of devastating hostile fire to reach the position and unhesitatingly placed the gun in action, centering deadly fire on advancing enemy units. As the attackers approached to within a few yards of his weapon, he leaped up, cradled the gun in his arms and, despite intense hostile small arms and grenade fire, delivered effective point-blank fire on the enemy. Painfully wounded by burns from a hostile signal pistol, Corporal Smith, by his inspiring courage, aggressive fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty aided materially in repelling the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.