The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Ozell L. Smoot (ASN: 0-1291718), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Sicily, during July and August 1943. During an attack on strongly fortified enemy positions, Lieutenant Smoot, despite enemy mortar and machine gun fire, refused to take cover. Although repeatedly fired upon from a flank position, he calmly directed the fire of his men. His courage and tactical skill were material factors in the success of this operation. Lieutenant Smoot’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Second Lieutenant (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
26th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 11 (March 28, 1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Ozell L. Smoot (ASN: 0-1291718), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa in 1943. Lieutenant Smoot led the attack of his platoon on strong enemy positions in rugged, mountainous terrain. The aggressive and skillful manner in which he led this attack on enemy strongholds, in the face of deadly enemy fire, resulted in the demoralization and destruction of the enemy. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
26th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
November 17, 1944
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 61 (March 25, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Ozell L. Smoot (ASN: 0-1291718), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Germany, on 17 November 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
26th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 12 – 13, 1944
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 92 (1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Ozell L. Smoot (ASN: 0-1291718), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Normandy, France, on 12 – 13 June 1944. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.