The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Michael D. Smith, United States Air Force, for heroism as Joint Terminal Attack Controller, 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, Detachment 1, 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing while engaged in ground combat against an enemy of the United States at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan from 3 April 2005 to 3 October 2005. During this period supporting the 173d Airborne Brigade, while exposed to extreme danger from hostile fire and rocket propelled grenade attacks, Sergeant Smith demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication while serving as the sole close air support provider for the Combined Joint Task Force 76 Regional Command South, Quick Reaction Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He controlled 74 close air support missions, firing 1,000 rounds of A-10 30-millimeter strafe, 27 AD-130 gunship 105-millimeter cannon rounds, 100 rockets and 10 bombs resulting in the destruction of seven enemy buildings and the demise of an estimated 71 enemy personnel. Sergeant Smith was credited with killing six enemy combatants with his rifle and two with hand grenades during close-in fighting. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty, Sergeant Smith has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal (Army Award) to Staff Sergeant Michael D. Smith, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious achievement from 20 March 2003 to 30 April 2003 while serving as a Tactical Air Command Control Specialist in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. His positive leadership, extreme professionalism, and exceptional performance facilitated unparalleled success for the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) to defeat enemy forces and liberate Iraq. His exemplary performance of duty in a combat zone reflects great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) “Rock of the Marne”, and the United States Army.