The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

SILVER STAR MEDAL posthumously to

PFC TIMOTHY J. SMITH

United States Marine Corps

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

    " The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Timothy John Smith, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Rifleman with Company I, Third Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 September 1968, during Operation Lancaster II, Company I was establishing a night defensive position in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under a heavy volume of hostile mortar and sniper fire and sustained several casualties. Alertly observing a wounded Marine lying forward of the company perimeter in an area dangerously exposed to the enemy fire, Private First Class Smith unhesitatingly maneuvered across the fire-swept terrain to the side of his injured comrade. Disregarding his own safety, he was fearlessly carrying the casualty through the intense hostile fire when he was seriously wounded and violently knocked to the ground. Ignoring his painful injury, he quickly recovered and, moving to the side of another wounded man, commenced assisting both casualties across the hazardous area. Undaunted by the enemy rounds impacting near him, he was resolutely continuing to assist the injured men to safety when he was mortally wounded. His bold initiative and sincere concern for the welfare of his comrades inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow Marines. By his courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, Private First Class Smith upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."