Taylor Gray Smith

Captain, U. S. Army

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 60 (November 30, 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 Captain (Infantry) Taylor G. Smith (ASN: 0-1286380), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 19 September 1944 at ***, Holland.
Captain Smith, Commanding Company D, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, was given a separate company mission to seize and hold the southern end of the railroad bridge which crossed the Waal River at ****, Holland. He moved his company through enemy held positions and personally directed the attach through approximately two thousand yards of a sniper infested network of buildings. Throughout this entire action his company was without physical contact with the battalion and constant fighting was in progress. During ten hours of isolation his personal supervision in the front lines inspired the men, and resulted in the destruction of concrete fortifications, protected by enemy personnel (SS and Parachute Troops) manning anti-tank guns, machine guns, flak guns, mortars and small arms. Disregarding his own personal safety, Captain Smith moved at the head of his company, took personal command, and directed his troops in the attack on these positions. He secured his company objective with a minimum loss of personnel. Captain Smith's leadership and courage was a great inspiration to all members of his company and contributed materially to the successful capture of the vital railroad bridge intact.
His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.