The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Carl D. Smith (MCSN: 452309), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Tank Commander, serving with Company C, Fourth Tank Battalion, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 to 26 February 1945. Unhesitatingly assuming control of the tanks in his sector after his platoon leader’s vehicle was disabled by a mine, Sergeant Smith skillfully led his unit through the mine field, neutralizing several enemy machine-gun positions and pillboxes during the advance. Bravely exposing himself to the intense barrages of artillery, mortar and small-arms fire bracketing the area as he made contact with the infantry company commander and coordinated joint plans for the renewal of the assault, he boldly pushed ahead through antitank ditches, shell craters and other obstacles, delivering devastating supporting fire to the hard-pressed infantry in the crucial phase of the invasion. Although mortally wounded on 26 February, while assisting a pinned down infantry company, Sergeant Smith, by his outstanding courage and indomitable fighting spirit, contributed immeasurably to our initial success on Iwo Jima, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.