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 Staff Sergeant Cleo L. Smith (ASN: 35090028), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. When the enemy placed machine gun, machine pistol and rifle fire on Company A, near Mickershwihr, France, the afternoon of 30 January 1945, Staff Sergeant Smith directed his men 150 yards forward to a defiladed position. Although twice wounded, he alone advanced to within 15 yards of an enemy strongpoint and hurled two hand grenades which killed two and wounded two. He then assaulted the position with his sub-machine gun, killed two more enemy and enabled his platoon to move forward and hold the vital ground. 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.

(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 Staff Sergeant Cleo L. Smith (ASN: 35090028), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in Italy and France in 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.