The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Weston T. Smith (AFSN: 0-58846), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller near Ban Me Thuot, Republic of Vietnam on 18 October 1968. On that date, Major Smith flew in support of a greatly outnumbered and surrounded Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol, culminating in their successful extraction from the hostile area. Despite an extremely low ceiling and poor visibility, Major Smith boldly guided his unarmed aircraft low over the beleaguered team while skillfully directing the delivery of ordnance to cover their withdrawal. His complete disregard for his own safety was directly responsible for saving many friendly lives. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Defense Superior Service Medal
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Air Force Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Nha Trang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
September 10, 1968
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Weston T. Smith (AFSN: 0-58846), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an O-2A Pilot near Duc Lap, Republic of Vietnam on 10 September 1968. On that date, Major Smith directed close air support missions against a numerically superior hostile force which threatened the security of the friendly military facilities in the area. Disregarding heavy anti-aircraft fire, Major Smith held his aircraft directly over the heart of the battle, courageously marking targets for their subsequent destruction. His consummate heroism in the face of extreme danger was directly responsible for the successful rescue of two downed pilots and the saving of many additional friendly lives. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Defense Superior Service Medal
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
March 1983 – September 1987
Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America takes pleasure in awarding the Defense Superior Service Medal to Colonel Weston T. Smith (AFSN: 0-58846), United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service as a Military Assistant, Office of International Security Policy, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, Department of State, Washington, D.C., from March 1983 to September 1987. Colonel Smith played a vital role in the formulation and implementation of United States foreign policy initiatives in Central America, Africa, the Middle East and Southwest Asia. He was instrumental in the formulation of policy documents during the Lebanon and Grenada crises and he contributed significantly to the effort to restore stability in Lebanon and Central America. His knowledge of operations and logistics was crucial in resolving difficult politico-military crises during the conflicts in Grenada and Chad. His dedicated promotion of United States Freedom of Navigation interests worldwide was similarly exemplary. Colonel Smith served with distinction as a member of Administration briefing teams, displaying exceptional competence while briefing key Congressional and foreign leaders. The distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Smith culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
21st Tactical Air Support SquadronDivision:
Nha Trang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
February 24 & 25, 1969
Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-720 (October 3, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Major Weston Theodore Smith (AFSN: 0-58846), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Forward Air Controller and Pilot of an O-2 aircraft of the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, Nha Trang Air Base, Vietnam, serving as Tactical Air Liaison Officer with the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (U.S. Army), near Ben Het, Republic of Vietnam, from 24 February 1969 to 25 February 1969. During this period, Major Smith directed close air support against one of the most heavily defended target complexes in the Republic of Vietnam. Despite intense, accurately directed hostile fire which damaged his unarmed aircraft, Major Smith was successful in directing the neutralization of the opposing force. With complete disregard for his own life, he saved the lives of many American and allied soldiers and prevented the strategically located friendly position from being overrun. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Smith reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.