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 First Class Howard Campbell Smith (ASN: 38606325), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Manila, Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 16 February 1945. Private Smith was moving slightly ahead of his patrolling squad when he observed an enemy pillbox cleverly concealed in the wreckage of a building. Recognizing the danger to his squad, he immediately charged the emplacement, inserted the muzzle of his Browning Automatic Rifle in an aperture, and sprayed the inside with a deadly stream of fire, killing eight Japanese who were manning the position. Private Smith was later killed during an attack on another building. 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.