Robert D. Smith

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert D. Smith, Corporal, U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 31st Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), during the Japanese aerial attack on Hickam Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Corporal Smith assisted in extinguishing two planes set afire by strafing and bombing, and saving valuable equipment from the third. After extinguishing the fires, Corporal Smith assisted in towing two airplanes to dispersed positions under extreme heavy strafing and bombing.

Authority: “Heroes of Pearl Harbor”, Donald K. & Helen L. Ross