The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal James Ernest Smith, Jr. (ASN: RA-17269953), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 25 November 1950 in the vicinity of Kujang-dong, Korea. On the night of that date he was a member of an Intelligence and Reconnaissance squad posted on commanding ground, overlooking the Chongchon River, for the purpose of establishing a battalion observation post. At approximately 2300 hours, the small group was attacked and surrounded by an enemy force of estimated company strength. The squad received orders to attempt a withdrawal. Corporal Smith, voluntarily and with complete disregard for his personal safety, remained in position in order to cover the withdrawal of his comrades. Undaunted by the overwhelming odds, he held his ground and held off the numerically superior enemy by rifle fire. When last seen he was still firing into the onrushing enemy. The gallantry and self sacrifice of Corporal Smith enabled his squad to withdraw from the enemy trap and reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.