The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Ferdinand F. Smalski (ASN: 39078293), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Field Artillery Battalion, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 21 January 1945, in Luxembourg. Corporal Smalski and a Lieutenant from his organization were assigned the duty of taking shelling reports of any enemy rounds that might fall on a bridge over the Sure River near the town of Bettendorf, Luxembourg. At about 1200 hours heavy enemy fire began to fall, not on the bridge, but upon the town itself. At once Corporal Smalski, accompanied by the Lieutenant, with utter disregard for his own life, and completely on his own initiative, for their assignment had included only the area immediately around the bridge, which was not under fire, proceeded to the town and began to take shelling reports. The shelling went on from 1200 to 1430 hours and approximately 150 rounds of mixed nebelwerfer, 105 and 155-mm. calibers landed during the time. Corporal Smalski and the officer went directly and fearlessly to the most dangerous parts of the town, and, amid explosions and flying debris, calmly set up an aiming circle and gathered the necessary data. As soon as one report was taken, they would transmit the data to their headquarters. Although Corporeal Smalski and the Lieutenant were, for over two hours, in constant danger of death, the continued with their work until they had gathered five separate reports. Consequently friendly artillery was directed against the enemy batteries, which resulted in their neutralization. Corporal Smalski’s daring, coolness under fire, and courageous devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.