The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Warrant Officer One (WO-1) Norwood Worth Smith, Jr., United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Warrant Officer Norwood distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Pilot of a reconnaissance airplane of the 219th Reconnaissance Airplane Company, 52d Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade, during a combat operation on 26 October 1971. On that date, Warrant Officer One Smith was flying as one of a team of two aircraft to conduct visual reconnaissance of the Tuy Miorong Valley in Kontum Forest. During a pass of a suspected area, the aircraft came under intense ground to air fire and immediately began to lose engine power. Warrant Officer One Smith guided his aircraft into a crash landing and escaped without injury. Soon thereafter, they could hear the enemy searching the area and both men were wounded during their subsequent effort to evade the enemy. Despite his injuries, Warrant Officer One Smith reached a ladder sling which had been lowered by a rescue helicopter and turned to assist his comrade in preparation for the evacuation. He discovered the observer could not move and without a moment’s hesitation he returned to assist him to the ladder. Observing his comrade’s condition, Warrant Officer One Smith signaled the crew to throw him a rope and then secured him to the ladder. Finally clinging to the rope ladder, he signaled the helicopter to lift off from the area. Both men were then flown to a secure area. Warrant Officer One Smith’s valor, professionalism, and dedication 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.