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 (Field Artillery) William M. Smith (ASN: 0-1170201), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 407th Field Artillery Group, in action against the enemy on 28 February 1945, in Germany. During the advance to the Rhine, First Lieutenant Smith, as Liaison Pilot, was assigned the task of locating enemy gun positions holding up the advance of our troops. While performing this mission, a concentration of enemy flak fire seriously wounded him about the head and body and damaged his plane. Disregarding the gravity of his wounds, First Lieutenant Smith continued to register the enemy positions until his plane was forced to make a crash landing. He extricated himself from the flaming plane and immediately sought medical aid for his observer and reported his findings before lapsing into unconsciousness. The gallant actin of First Lieutenant Smith greatly aided the artillery in destroying the enemy guns and in clearing t he way for the advancing troops. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.