The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Jay Middleton Smith, Jr. (ASN: 32288643), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery D, 5th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Belgium, on 13 January 1945. 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.