The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Francis M. Smith (ASN: 0-23634), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy near Hudong-ni, Korea. On 11 September 1951, Colonel Smith ordered Company K, 31st Infantry Regiment, on a combat patrol with the mission of attacking and capturing two strategic enemy-held hills. As the assault began, Colonel Smith moved from the battalion observation post under heavy enemy automatic weapons and artillery fire to an exposed position to advise the commander of the attacking unit. After the first hill was captured, he again moved forward with the company commander toward the next objective. Remaining exposed to the concentrated enemy fire, Colonel Smith called for and adjusted artillery fire on the enemy position. As the assaulting forces moved forward to the final objective, they were met with withering enemy fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Colonel Smith once again moved through the heavy enemy fire and directed the company to a covered route of approach to the enemy emplacements. Through the superior coordination of artillery fire and supporting weapons by Colonel Smith, the mission was successfully completed with negligible casualties. The gallantry displayed by Colonel Smith reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Infantry.