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 Colonel (Infantry) George Winfered Smythe (ASN: 0-15816), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Assistant Division Commander, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 4 April 1945 in Germany. While the assault against the city of Kassel, Germany, on 4 April 1945, was in progress, Colonel Smythe boldly and without regard for his own safety, advanced in the face of enemy fire beyond the most forward elements of the attacking troops. After securing a cessation of hostilities, he contacted the Commanding General of the garrison defending the city and procured its surrender together with the Commanding General and five hundred officers and men. This outstandingly brave and resourceful act by Colonel Smythe not only accomplished the immediate capture of vital military objectives, but also saved the lives of many American soldiers which would have been lost in a continuation of the attack. The bravery, determined unselfish devotion to duty, and resourcefulness of Colonel Smythe were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
October 9, 1952 – May 10, 1953
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 59 (August 4, 1953)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General George Winfered Smythe (ASN: 0-15816), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, 3d Infantry Division from 9 October 1952 to 10 May 1953. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Smythe and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
47th Infantry RegimentDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
1944
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 32 (1944)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) George Winfered Smythe (ASN: 0-15816), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with the 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations, in 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Smythe, 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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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) George Winfered Smythe (ASN: 0-15816), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Regiment:
47th Infantry RegimentDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
September 7, 1944
Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 17 (January 27, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) George Winfered Smythe (ASN: 0-15816), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 7 September 1944. When fire from a German 88-mm. gun forced his regiment to halt its advance along a road, Colonel Smythe courageously led five tanks to the immediate scene of the action. Standing in a completely exposed position and ignoring the artillery and mortar shells landing nearby, he directed the fire of his tanks upon the hostile weapon, knocking it out of action. A short while later, he preceded several tanks in reconnoitering the approaches to a Belgian village when sudden fire from a Mark V tank supported by a rifle company isolated the group from the remainder of the regiment. With machine gun bullets ricocheting about him, Colonel Smythe heroically directed fire upon the hostile tank, completely destroying it. Ignoring the threat of the riflemen to his rear, Colonel Smythe continued on foot through the town and later directed the capture of the bypassed enemy troops. By his fearless leadership, personal bravery and unflinching devotion to duty, Colonel Smythe exemplified the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.