Navy Federal Credit Union

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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Donald Eugene Smith (ASN: 0-5332089), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Smith distinguished himself by exceptional valor on 19 November 1967, while serving as a platoon leader with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) on a search and destroy mission in the Republic of Vietnam. Company C made contact with a large North Vietnamese force. During the ensuing firefight, Lieutenant Smith maneuvered his platoon into an assault line and began moving toward the well prepared enemy bunkers. Despite the heavy volume of enemy automatic weapons, rocket and mortar fire, Lieutenant Smith continually exposed himself with little regard for his personal safety in order to direct fires and encourage his troops. Upon receiving the command to withdraw, he moved his troops back, utilizing fire and movement in retrograde and thereby sustaining a minimum of casualties. During the second assault, Lieutenant Smith, although wounded by an enemy mortar round, remained with his men, giving them words of encouragement and refusing medical attention. When the order to withdraw was again issued, Lieutenant Smith organized an orderly withdrawal personally insuring that no wounded were left behind. When the company set up its perimeter, Lieutenant Smith went amongst his men, giving them ammunition and supplies. At this time he was mortally wounded. Lieutenant Smith’s aggressiveness, superior knowledge and extraordinary valor in close combat against a numerically superior North Vietnamese force were in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Awards Received