SFC JAMES H. SMITH'S CITATION FOR THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS, AWARDED FOR HIS ACTIONS ON MARCH 29, 1969.

Awarded to SFC James H. Smith

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(Not an Exact Copy)

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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, Americal Division
APO San Francisco 96374

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GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER   2471

July 9, 1969

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AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

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1.  TC 320.  The following AWARD is announced.

SMITH, JAMES H., XXX-XX-XXXX, SERGEANT FIRST CLASS,
Company D, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, Americal Division,

Awarded:  Distinguished Service Cross
Date action:  March 29, 1969
Theater:  Republic of Vietnam

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Reason: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to James H. Smith, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company D, 3d Battalion, 1st Infantry, Americal Division. Sergeant First Class Smith distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 March 1969 while acting as platoon leader on a company combat sweep mission southwest of Duc Pho. When another platoon became pinned down by a large North Vietnamese force, Sergeant Smith immediately proceeded to move his platoon to their rescue. Because of insufficient cover from the heavy hostile barrage, he could maneuver no closer than one hundred meters to the beleaguered element. Sergeant Smith called in the assistance of gun ships and armored personnel carriers. Realizing that hostile and friendly positions had to be differentiated before an air strike was made, he started crawling forward into the fusillade. When a North Vietnamese position poured strafing fire on him, he retaliated with rifle and grenade volleys, effectively silencing the emplacement. As he marked the positions with smoke grenades, a burst of hostile fire wounded him in the face and shoulder. He, nonetheless, continued his mission until the gun ships arrived and his medical evacuation was made possible. Sergeant First Class Smith's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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Authority:  By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918.