The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Raymond F. Smith (ASN: 0-662685), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action as Pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplane of the EIGHTH Air Force on a strafing mission over Germany, 10 September 1944. Observing an airdrome on which a number of planes were parked, Captain Smith led his Squadron of P-47 fighters in a daring assault. Completely disregarding the terrific barrage put up by the ground defenses, he gallantly swept the field again and again, firing on all planes within range. Despite the fact that on his fourth sweep across the airdrome, the left wing of his plane was damaged and the airspeed indicator knocked out, he continued to attack. Not until he had made thirteen passes over the field, destroyed eight aircraft on the ground and expended the last of his ammunition did Captain Smith break off the engagement. His actions on this occasion were an inspiration to the entire unit. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Smith, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.