The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Robert W. Smith (ASN: 36629236), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery A, 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, on **** 1943, near ****, Italy. When concentrated hostile artillery fire hit three stacks of 105-mm. Howitzer M-3 ammunition in Battery A positions, 34 rounds were split open, the powder scattered and set afire. Close by was another stack of ammunition in wooded cases. Without hesitation, Private First Class Smith and one officer and four enlisted men left their slit trenches, seized extinguishers and put out the fires. Being under continuous enemy shelling, another direct hit on these cases would have been fatal to them. This prompt and effective action kept the flames away from the boxed ammunition, which otherwise would have detonated from heat. The heroic action of Private First Class Smith prevented damage to the battery position and possible injury to members of his battery. 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.