The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Walter Lee Smith (ASN: RA-13875801), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action at, on August 29, 1966. Private First Class Smith distinguished himself by heroic actions while serving as a grenadier on a search and destroy mission near Cu Chi, Republic of Vietnam. As the troop moved through a grassy area, they encountered a squad size or larger Viet Cong force employing several automatic weapons. The enemy resistance collapsed under the friendly forces fire superiority in the ensuing brief firefight, and the Viet Cong were forced into hasty retreat leaving their wounded in the tall tropical grass. Immediately following the encounter with the enemy, the friendly troops began an organized search of the area for injured Viet Cong. During the search, Private Smith discovered a wounded Viet Cong and attempted to take the man alive. Without warning the Viet Cong pulled the pin on a grenade and attempted to throw the deadly device in the midst of the friendly troops. Reacting quickly and disregarding his personal safety, Private Smith knocked the grenade from the Viet Cong’s hand with his weapon before it could explode. Private Smith succeeded in diverting the blast of the grenade from his comrades, but he was unable to avoid it himself and was killed along with the Viet Cong. Private first Class Smith’s unselfish actions prevented injury and possible death among his fellow soldiers. His unimpeachable valor in close combat against an armed enemy is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.