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) William Q. Smith (ASN: 0-1044107), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division, on 7 January 1945. When his company’s attack on strong enemy positions near Rothbach, France, was held up by heavy frontal machine gun fire, Lieutenant Smith led two enlisted men forward to knock out the hostile guns. Successfully crossing open ground under artillery and small arms fire, they exposed themselves to fire from a hostile gun, diverting the crew’s attention long enough to permit a flanking squad to destroy the position. IN the action, the two enlisted men were killed and Lieutenant Smith’s gas mask and helmet were hit with bullets. Undaunted, he continued his mission, personally knocking out another gun. His gallantry enabled his company to resume its advance.