The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Gilbert Eugene Smith (MCSN: 0-107541), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 February 1969, during Operation DEWEY CANYON, Second Lieutenant Smith’s platoon was participating in a mission to seize a hilltop overlooking a principal North Vietnamese Army re-supply route into the A Shau Valley when the lead element came under sporadic small arms fire from enemy positions near the base of the hill. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant Smith deployed his platoon into effective fighting positions and, as he initiated an aggressive assault against the North Vietnamese Army soldiers, the Marines were subjected to intense automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a heavily-fortified bunker complex. As the Marines advanced, Second Lieutenant Smith directed his men’s fire at the enemy positions with such accuracy that the rounds detonated a cache of high explosives, killing four of the enemy. Fearlessly attacking other small pockets of resistance and armed only with a pistol he boldly moved across the fireswept terrain with the forward elements of his platoon and, shouting encouragement and instructions to his men, exhorted them to maximum combat efforts which routed the hostile soldiers in his sector. At the same time, the platoon on the right flank was temporarily slowed by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and, displaying exceptional tactical skill, Second Lieutenant Smith held his platoon on line to provide cover for the beleaguered unit’s flank. Then, when the platoon had regained fire superiority over the enemy, he led a combined attack which overran the remaining hostile fortifications. His heroic and determined actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the seizure of a large amount of arms and ammunition. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Smith contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.