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.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Bronze Star Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Silver Star
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st Battalion (Airmobile)Regiment:
506th Infantry RegimentDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting 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.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Regiment:
9th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry DivisionDivision:
Army of the Republic of VietnamAction Date:
April 5 – 7, 1972
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 30 (September 18, 1973)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Mark A. Smith, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving as the Senior Battalion Liaison Officer to the 9th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, during the period 5 April 1972 to 7 April 1972. On 5 April 1972, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched a major offensive with the objective of capturing Binh Long Province in Military Region Three. The 5th Viet Cong Division was targeted against Loc Ninh the capital of Loc Ninh District in northern Binh Long Province. The 5th Viet Cong Division launched a massive coordinated ground attack against Loc Ninh beginning early in the morning of 5 April 1972. The attack was supported by artillery and tanks. Captain smith skillfully directed tactical airstrikes and helicopter gunships in support of the 9th Infantry Regiment and other South Vietnamese forces in the area. To inflict the maximum casualties on the enemy and to bring the fires as close as possible to the friendly forces, he left the safety of his bunker and moved throughout the area seeking strategic vantage points from which he directed friendly fire. Time and time again he directed the fighters, bombers, gunships, and artillery fire on top of his own position to drive off the attacking enemy. The combination of Captain Smith’s courage and professional skills coupled with all available firepower kept the numerically enemy at bay for more than two days. Captain Smith’s extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st Battalion (Airmobile)Regiment:
506th Infantry RegimentDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
Vietnam War
(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.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st Battalion (Airmobile)Regiment:
506th Infantry RegimentDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
Vietnam War
(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.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st Battalion (Airmobile)Regiment:
506th Infantry RegimentDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
Vietnam War
(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.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st Battalion (Airmobile)Regiment:
506th Infantry RegimentDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
Vietnam War
(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.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st Battalion (Airmobile)Regiment:
506th Infantry RegimentDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
April 6, 1970
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.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st Battalion (Airmobile)Regiment:
506th Infantry RegimentDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
July 5, 1970
Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division, General Orders No. 11799 (September 24, 1970)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Mark Allyn Smith (ASN: 0-2331940), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving in the Republic of Vietnam. 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. When his company was attacked by a heavily-armed enemy force, Captain Smith immediately directed his men in a flanking maneuver. Subjecting himself to hostile fire, he called for and adjusted aerial artillery, routing the aggressors from the immediate area. Reorganizing his unit, he moved to secure a landing zone for a resupply helicopter when his company once more came under hostile fire. Captain Smith warned the helicopter, then led his men in an assault on the enemy emplacements, effectively engaging numerous aggressors. His actions were responsible for his unit’s success in completely routing the invaders. Captain Smith’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were inn keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st Battalion (Airmobile)Regiment:
506th Infantry RegimentDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
April 15, 1970
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.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Division:
Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)Action Date:
April 7, 1972 – February 12, 1973
Captain (Infantry) Mark Allyn Smith (ASN: 0-2331940), United States Army, was held as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from April 7, 1972 until his release on February 12, 1973.