Clure E. Smith, Jr.

Colonel, U. S. Air Force

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 291 (December 14, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Clure E. Smith, Jr. (ASN: 0-440140), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in the 366th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force.
Major Smith displayed outstanding leadership and tactical ability while leading his squadron on a dive-bombing mission on 24 June 1944. When a large force of enemy aircraft prepared to attack, Major Smith directed his men in the destruction of enemy artillery installations after which he quickly reassembled his flights and led an aggressive attack, dispersing the hostile fighters and personally accounting for one enemy aircraft destroyed. Major Smith's courage, forcefulness, and brilliant leadership are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces.