The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Charles Rufus Smith, Jr., United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of an Infantry Battalion of the 31st Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Smith and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Charles Rufus Smith, Jr., (ASN: 0-62891), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 15 October 1970 to 12 October 1971, as the Chief of Staff, 1st Aviation Brigade, and as Commanding officer of the 198th Infantry Brigade, 23d Infantry Division. While Chief of Staff of the 1st Aviation Brigade, Colonel Smith was responsible for the myriad functions involved with the employment of aviation assets in support of Free World Military Forces in the Republic of Vietnam. He also supervised the planning for, deployment and employment of 1st Aviation brigade assets in support of the Republic of Vietnam Forces operating in Cambodia and Laos, Disaster Relief Operations conducted in Malaysia. On 19 March 1971, Colonel Smith assumed command of the 198th Infantry Brigade, and led the Brigade in combat operations in Quang Ngai and Quang Tin Provinces. Under Colonel Smith’s direction, the Brigade successfully countered the enemy threat within its Are of Operations with highly effective small unit patrols and ambushes, provided assistance and training to the Military Forces of Vietnam, thus contributing significantly to the security of Northern Quang Ngai and Southern Quang Tin Provinces. Colonel Smith also commanded the Chu Lai Defense Command which was responsible for the defense of the Chu Lai Combat Base from ground and rocket attacks. No successful attacks against Chu Lai resulted during his tenure, and due to aggressive patrolling in the “Rocket Pocket” no effective rocket attacks have been sustained by Chu Lai. Colonel Smith’s dedication to the morale, health and welfare of his men was evident in the numerous programs he initiated, all of which demonstrated his outstanding abilities. Colonel Smith’s initiative, resourcefulness and ingenuity have enable the Brigade to effectively accomplish each assigned mission. His distinguished accomplishments are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.