The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Horace Franklin Smith (ASN: 0-1322379), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 442d Regimental Combat Team, in action against the enemy on 25 August 1944 and 29 August 1944 in the vicinity of Scandici, Italy. Lieutenant Smith on two separate occasions led patrols to the banks of the Arno River to capture prisoners. When one of his men was wounded in a mine explosion, he carried the man for approximately 1000 yards under constant enemy small arms fire to safety. After four attempts by his company, Lieutenant Smith and his patrol captured four vitally needed prisoners from whom essential information was obtained. Lieutenant Smith’s concern for his men while under fire, his cool and courageous leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.