The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Arnold W. Smiley (ASN: 6804570), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 253d Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 8 February 1945, in the vicinity of Sarreguemines, France. There was imminent danger of a twenty-eight-man patrol being stranded on the enemy-held side of the Blits River. Sergeant Smiley, with utter disregard for his personal safety, voluntarily crossed the swollen river by means of a rope, pulling himself through the swift current hand over hand, and being pulled under the water for extended periods. After safely landing, he directed the return of every man to safety. His outstanding gallantry is commensurate with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.