Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    4th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 8, 1966

    Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5964 (October 7, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Avery Gene Smith (ASN: US-52614620), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division. Private First Class Smith distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 June 1966 while serving as tank loader on an armored convoy during a combat operations along Highway 13. While moving toward their objective, Private First Class Smith’s column of armored vehicles was ambushed by a large Viet Cong force. Private First Class Smith unhesitatingly climbed outside to the exposed rear of the tank and began delivering suppressive fire upon the onrushing Viet Cong. Throughout the heaviest fighting of the engagement, he remained at this unprotected position and repelled the assaulting insurgents at point-blank range. During the course of action, Private First Class Smith was wounded in the face by shrapnel. Despite the severity of his wound, he remained at this self-appointed post and continued to protect his tank and other nearby vehicles. At one point during the battle, when the tank’s main gun and machine guns were inoperable, Private First Class Smith’s efforts alone prevented the vehicle from being overrun by the numerically superior Viet Cong force. When his tank received its fourth direct hit from Viet Cong fire, Private First Class Smith absorbed the brunt of the explosion and was mortally wounded. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.