The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Dennis Arthur Smith (MCSN: 2266747), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Radio Operator with Battery D, Second Battalion, Twelfth Marines, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 February 1968. Lance Corporal Smith was serving with an artillery forward observer team attached to a platoon from Company A, First Battalion, Ninth Marines manning an outpost near the Khe Sanh Combat Base when the unit came under a coordinated mortar and ground attack from an North Vietnamese Army company. When the enemy penetrated the defensive perimeter, Lance Corporal Smith unhesitatingly requested and accurately adjusted artillery fire to within 100 meters of the friendly position and skillfully directed mortar fire against targets even closer to Marine lines. When the North Vietnamese overran his position, he completely disregarded his own safety by fearlessly requesting artillery air bursts over his position. Although wounded twice, he steadfastly continued to direct effective fire until the enemy assault was repulsed. His heroic and timely actions were instrumental in defeating the enemy and accounting for sixteen hostile soldiers confirmed killed. By his courage, bold initiative and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Lance Corporal Smith upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.