The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Robert H. McKenzie-Smith, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain McKenzie-Smith distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 27 May 1969 while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, Americal Division. On that date, the company was conducting a reconnaissance in force operation southwest of Duc Pho when the lead platoon surprised a similar size North Vietnamese Army element. In a brief battle that followed, several of the enemy soldiers were killed while trying to reach covered positions, but a reinforced enemy unit soon moved into the area and pinned down the lead platoon with a heavy volume of accurate fire. After a series of maneuvers, one squad from the friendly company was still trapped in a vulnerable positions and other elements were scattered about in such a manner that artillery support could not be called in. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain McKenzie-Smith organized a small band of volunteers and led them across a stream toward the trapped squad. He then ordered the men to provide covering fire and raced across a wide expanse of open terrain to the isolated element. At this time, he rallied his comrades against the insurgents and directed the extraction of casualties. Continuing to engage the enemy force, Captain McKenzie-Smith directed his men out of the area, remaining behind until all personnel had withdrawn and regrouped. He then called in supporting fire, and led a fierce assault on the hostile positions which routed the enemy from the location. His courageous and timely actions were instrumental in minimizing casualties within his unit and in the overall success of the mission. Captain McKenzie-Smith’s personal heroism, professional competence and devotion to duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.