The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Troy R. Smith, Jr. (MCSN: 348193), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to Battery F, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 9 December 1950. When the infantry company to which he was attached as a scout observer sustained many casualties after encountering two heavily defended strong points manned by an estimated enemy battalion during its attack on a strategic hill position, Private First Class Smith, although exhausted from carrying wounded Marines down steep, snow-covered slopes on the preceding night, returned to his team and volunteered to move to the forward elements of the fire fight to aid in further evacuation of the wounded. Despite intense hostile small arms fire, he made three separate trips, carrying ammunition and grenades to the infantry and bringing back wounded Marines for medical treatment. By his outstanding courage, initiative and selfless efforts in behalf of others, Private First Class Smith contributed materially to the saving of many lives and served to inspire all who observed him, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.