The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal William Nathan Smith (MCSN: 2053134), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Patrol Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 3 May 1966, Corporal Smith’s eighteen man patrol was crossing an open rice paddy in the vicinity of Chu Lai when it was ambushed by a force of about fifty Viet Cong. Reacting instantly in the midst of small arms and automatic weapons fire which was pouring in from three sides, Corporal Smith effectively organized his men into a perimeter defense and directed accurate fire at the enemy. Observing that two of his men had been wounded and were being treated by a Corpsman in the exposed position where they had fallen, Corporal Smith unhesitatingly raced through the withering fire to lend assistance. While moving the casualties to a protected position, the savage enemy fire wounded a Marine who had joined him and killed the Corpsman. Realizing his patrol’s hazardous situation, he sought help from other Marine units and a medical evacuation helicopter for the wounded. Continuing to disregard his own safety, Corporal Smith signaled and directed the helicopter in the midst of withering fire which hit the aircraft several times and fatally wounded its crewchief. When Marine reinforcements approached, he exhibited great presence of mind by running across two hundred meters of fire-swept rice paddies to advise them of his patrol’s position, thereby preventing the friendly force from firing in his men’s direction. His valiant action throughout was an inspiration to all who observed him, and undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his fellow patrol members. Corporal Smith’s extraordinary courage and determination in the face of hostile fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.