The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Robert W. Smith (MCSN: 507099), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Automatic Rifleman in a platoon of Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 3, 4 and 24 March 1945. When the Japanese opened a gap in the line protecting a sector of his platoon’s defensive position during a savage counterattack, Private First Class Smith boldly moved along the line, covering the platoon’s weak defense point with streams of deadly fire and thereby preventing a serious enemy breakthrough. Detecting Japanese treachery when orders were shouted from a distance to evacuate the platoon, he held his men fast in their positions and continued to defend his sector. Trapped by the enemy as he attempted to rescue two wounded comrades, on 24 March, he engaged in a furious exchange of hand grenades with at least twelve Japanese, fighting off his attackers until he fell, mortally wounded by the blast of an enemy explosive. His fearless leadership, alert presence of mind, dauntless courage and unwavering devotion to duty under fire were inspiring to those with whom he served and reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Smith and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.