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 [then Private] Robert C. Smith (ASN: 42141894), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 6 January 1945. While carrying supplies to his platoon position near Phillipsbourg, France, Private First Class Smith encountered an enemy patrol which had infiltrated in the rear of his company under cover of darkness. Believing him helpless under his heavy load, the patrol called upon him to surrender. He disregarded their demand and fought them off with his carbine until they were destroyed by friendly machine gun fire. Private First Class Smith’s courageous action was directly responsible for the elimination of a serious threat to his company’s rear.