The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James G. Smith, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, in 1945. Sergeant Smith was a member of mortar platoon given the mission of defending friendly tanks. The enemy rushed his platoon forcing several of the men to seek shelter and allowing them to fire panzerfausts at the tanks. Sergeant Smith worked his way to a position near the enemy and by firing at close range and throwing hand grenades he was able to rout them. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant 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.