The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Ronald E. Smith, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Smith distinguished himself on 19 May 1971 while serving as a track commander during military operations near the city of Trang Bang, Republic of Vietnam. Engaged by an unknown size enemy force, one vehicle in his troop was hit by enemy rocket propelled grenade fire, wounding several crewmen. Sergeant Smith immediately pulled his vehicle in front of the disabled vehicle and gave cover fire for the crew. Under his intensive suppressive fire, all of the crew members were removed to safety, except the wounded driver. Sergeant Smith rushed his vehicle through intense enemy fire to aid of the wounded driver. With the aid of one of his crew members, he was able to pull the seriously wounded man from the vehicle and return him to safety. He then informed his platoon leader of the location of several enemy bunkers and mines, which was later beneficial in bringing effective indirect fire on the enemy. Sergeant Smith’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.