The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Sergeant Robert H. Smith, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy as a member of FC-1, 77th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at the Old Dam Site on Little River near the northern boundary of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 24 April 1960. While picnicking in the area with his family, Sergeant Smith noticed two swimmers in difficulty and struggling in turbulent water some distance above the dam. Without hesitation or concern for his own personal safety, Sergeant Smith entered the dangerously swift water in an effort to aid the floundering men. As the distressed swimmers were swept over the spillway and into the churning depths below the dam by the strong current before Sergeant Smith could reach them, he quickly warned others not to follow him in a rescue attempt. Unable to withstand the strong surging current, Sergeant Smith was also carried over the choppy waterfall. Trying to locate one of the men who had not surfaced, Sergeant Smith dived below the surface of the beating waters and, failing to find the victim, repeated the dive and lost his life in an effort to save a fellow soldier from drowning. Sergeant Smith’s strong determination, selfless courage, and heroic actions are in the most cherished traditions of the United States Army, and reflect distinct credit upon himself and the military service.