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 Private Ronald L. Smith (ASN: 37740696), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 36th Infantry Division in action on 14 December 1944 in France. Private Smith, a rifleman in the 3d platoon, was assigned alone to an outpost covering a trail leading back to the company command post. An enemy force of more than squad strength attacked, threatening not only his position but the company command post as well. Aware that a section of light machine guns was on its way to strengthen his outpost, Private Smith determined to hold his ground as long as possible in an effort to protect the command post. Undaunted by numerically superior enemy, he pinned down the hostile soldiers with rifle fire until the machine gunners arrived ten minutes later. While covering the machine gun section in moving into position he was killed by the hostile fire. By his aggressiveness and valor he killed three Germans, wounded two and prevented the command post from being over run. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.