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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Wayne Ogden Smith (AFSN: FR-80670), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period from 18 January 1968 to 28 January 1968, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Captain Smith resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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 First Lieutenant Wayne Ogden Smith (AFSN: FR-80670), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Pilot of the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam, on 18 January 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Smith delivered his ordnance on an important strategic target in the face of intense anti-aircraft artillery fire, tracking surface-to-air missiles, and attacking hostile aircraft. With exceptional boldness and courage, Lieutenant Smith then engaged the hostile aircraft in close air-to-air combat. As a direct result of Lieutenant Smith’s efforts, his target was heavily damaged, and one hostile aircraft was shot down. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Smith has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.