Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    137th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 30, 1944

    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 58 (December 26, 1944)

    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 Dan Smith (ASN: 39217096), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, on 30 September 1944. As Company G, 2d Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, moved forward to support the attack of another rifle company, its advance was impeded byfire from an enemy machine gun emplacement. Armed only with his rifle, Private Smith moved forward alone and engaged in a fire fight with the enemy, killing all members of the machine gun crew as well as six German riflemen protecting the position. His intrepidity, utter disregard for personal safety and his determination that the mission of his unit be successfully accomplished reflect credit upon the military service and entitle Private Smith to a permanent place in the annals of fighting Infantrymen.