The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Private] Herman J. Smith (ASN: 36957925), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 15 February 1945. During an attack against the enemy, the right flank of a battalion was being held up in its forward movement by intense enemy fire from a strongly fortified bunker. With utter disregard for his personal safety, Staff Sergeant Smith moved alone by short rushes through the heavy fire to assault the enemy emplacement. Pouring deadly fire into the positions with an automatic rifle, and attacking it with hand grenades, this courageous soldier annihilated a number of the enemy and temporarily neutralized the position which enabled a demolition crew to destroy it. In the performance of this heroic act Staff Sergeant Smith was seriously wounded, but he courageously refused evacuation until certain the enemy holding force had been annihilated. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Staff 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 Foreign.