The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Stanley Dean Smith (MCSN: 1344855), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Guide with Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, on 22 March 1967, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. While advancing against Viet Cong positions located on a hill south of Long Son in Quang Tri Province during Operation BEACON HILL, Sergeant Smith’s platoon came under heavy enemy automatic weapons, recoilless rifle and mortar fire, which caused the lead elements of the platoon to become separated from the main body. Demonstrating exceptional presence of mind, he rapidly organized a small force to rescue the six Marines in the unit’s lead element. Temporarily halted by casualties to his small force in his first rescue attempt, he moved to a relatively secure area and reorganized his men. Displaying uncommon leadership, despite a painful head wound, he again charged through the enemy fire, successfully rescued the Marines and led them back to the platoon’s position. Upon learning that a seriously wounded Marine had been inadvertently left behind, he unhesitatingly crossed the fire-swept area and carried the casualty to safety. Although weak from his own wounds and suffering from the relentless heat, he undoubtedly helped save the lives of the six Marines. By his inspiring leadership, bold initiative, uncommon courage and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Sergeant Smith upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.