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 Private First Class Erral Dale Smallwood (ASN: RA-14935067), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Troop G, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in action on 24 September 1967 near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Smallwood distinguished himself by extremely valorous action while engaging a heavily equipped North Vietnamese Army Company in well dug in positions. Private Smallwood was driving an assault vehicle when he noticed an enemy soldier aiming an antitank weapon at another vehicle. Realizing he had no time to war the crew, he drove his vehicle through intense fire toward the enemy’s position. Then fearlessly exposing himself, he destroyed the enemy bunker with hand grenades just before being fatally wounded. Private Smallwood’s heroism and quick thinking not only saved the crew of an assault vehicle, but resulted in the destruction of an enemy antitank crew and the capture of their weapon. Private First Class Smallwood’s gallantry in action and devotion to duty while engaged in close combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.