The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Omar H. Smith (ASN: 0-1289007), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Sixth Company, First Regiment, 1st Special Service Force, in action against the enemy near San Vittore di Lazio, Italy, on 25 December 1943. While in the assembly area awaiting the hour of attack, Lieutenant Smith’s company was subjected to severe shelling. Despite this hazard he successfully moved the company into positions and launched a dawn attack on Hill 720, overlooking San Vittore di Lazio and San Pietro Infine. Approaching the summit of the hill, the company was met by withering machine gun fire from well concealed and protected positions among the numerous rocks, but by superior employment of his troops, Lieutenant Smith overran the most forward enemy positions. While advancing to the forward slope to completely secure his sector, his unit encountered devastating flanking fire from an adjacent ridge, and Lieutenant Smith was subsequently wounded in the head by sniper fire. Despite his wound, which later proved to be fatal, he emptied his gun at the sniper’s position, continued to encourage his men to greater efforts, and refused any assistance for fear of causing additional casualties. By his outstanding gallantry and supreme devotion to duty, Lieutenant Smith reflects great credit upon himself and the country he served.