The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), [then Second Lieutenant] Jesse W. Smiley, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 11th Airborne Division, in action against the enemy on Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 11 April 1945. During the fighting in the Mt. Malopunyo area on 11 April 1945, First Lieutenant Smiley was leader of an artillery forward observer’s party attached to a company of infantry. The Infantry secured a ridgeline and established a defensive position preparatory to a planned attack in the morning. During the night, the Infantry was attacked fanatically by a strong enemy force employing machine guns and small arms. With complete disregard for own safety and on his own initiative, Frist Lieutenant Smiley moved across machine-gun-swept terrain to an advantageous but exposed position and began a systematic and accurate adjustment of artillery fire. The enemy was at this time within 50 yards of Lieutenant Smiley and our own troops. The skillful placing of artillery fire by First Lieutenant Smiley formed a barrier that resulted int eh annihilation of the attacking force. The intrepidity, the cool courage, and the quick thinking of First Lieutenant Smiley saved our Infantry from losses and permitted the almost unopposed advance the following morning to the next objective. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Smiley, 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.