The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to Captain (Military Intelligence) Dennis Arthur Smith, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy. Captain Smith distinguished himself by heroic action on 30 October 1970 while assisting in flood relief operations near Pho Trach Hamlet, Phong Hoa Village, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Smith volunteered to command and control a helicopter to rescue and evacuate approximately seven hundred Vietnamese civilians trapped by the rising flood waters. As darkness rapidly approached, Captain Smith observed seven people seeking refuge near a flooded pagoda. Once the helicopter landed, he jumped into water above his head and swam fifty meters to the pagoda. Captain Smith made five trips rescuing four elderly adults and three small children. On his final return trip an old man from a nearby house made an attempt to swim to the helicopter but faltered some thirty meters short. Disregarding fatigue, the darkness, and the strong water current, Captain Smith made his way to the semi-conscious man and brought him to safety. Captain Smith’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.