(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Infantry) Mark Allyn Smith (ASN: 0-2331940), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam in 1970. Captain Smith’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 to Captain (Infantry) Mark Allyn Smith (ASN: 0-2331940), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam in 1970. Captain Smith’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of an Eighth Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Infantry) Mark Allyn Smith (ASN: 0-2331940), United States Army, for meritorious service from 7 April 1972 to 12 February 1973, while a prisoner of War in South Vietnam and Cambodia. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of Prisoners of War, the North Vietnamese subjected Captain Smith to a routine of mental and physical cruelties, including withholding of adequate medical treatment for wounds and illness. This routine was enabled and designed for the purpose of obtaining military information and propaganda material detrimental to the United States. Under these extremely adverse conditions, Captain Smith successfully resisted indoctrination, threats, and promises of medical attention by the North Vietnamese intended to coerce him to support causes injurious to the United States. He never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to his country. Throughout his internment, Captain Smith maintained a high state of discipline and morale. He continually confronted the North Vietnamese by refusing to operate or to conform with camp regulations, causing the enemy to maintain a posture of maximum security. Defying his captors he shared everything he had with his fellow prisoners and gave them encouragement to continue when all seemed hopeless. With consistent loyalty and perseverance, he conducted himself in a manner that aided the senior prisoner of war immeasurably in controlling the camp and maintaining prisoner morale. Captain Smith’s conduct and manner of performance was clearly exceptional, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Army. Great credit upon himself, the Army, and the United States of America.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 addition to a previously awarded Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Seventh Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Infantry) Mark Allyn Smith (ASN: 0-2331940), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam in 1970. Captain Smith’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Silver Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Infantry) Mark Allyn Smith (ASN: 0-2331940), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam in 1970. Captain Smith’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry) Mark Allyn Smith (ASN: 0-2331940), United States Army, for heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 6 April 1970. Captain Smith distinguished himself while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during combat operations near Fire Support Base GRANITE, Republic of Vietnam. While moving through mountainous terrain, the lad element of Captain Smith’s unit came under fire from an enemy force of unknown size. When his weapon was destroyed during the initial moments of contact, Captain Smith maneuvered through the hostile fire and acquired a machine gun. While deploying his men, he directed intense suppressive fire on the insurgents, enabling one of his men to reach a protected position. When his ammunition was depleted, he effectively utilized hand grenades in routing the insurgents. His actions contributed greatly to repulsing the enemy force. Captain Smith’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain (Infantry) Mark Allyn Smith (ASN: 0-2331940), United States Army, for heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 April 1970. Captain Smith distinguished himself while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, 1st Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during combat operations near Fire Support Base KATHRYN, Republic of Vietnam. Having detected a large enemy force, Captain Smith deployed his men in strategic positions where they could place a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the insurgents. Once he had enemy forces immobilized, he called for and directed an aerial rocket artillery attack on the hostile positions. After routing the enemy he led a reconnaissance of the area, securing it for friendly forces. Captain Smith’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.