The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to First Lieutenant (Armor) Walter A. Smith (ASN: OF-107437), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. first Lieutenant Smith distinguished himself by valorous actions on 12 December 1967, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Lieutenant Smith’s platoon was conducting a road clearing and security operations for elements of 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division near Phuoc Vinh. The third vehicle in the column detonated an anti-tank mine, causing it to overturn and burst into flames. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Lieutenant Smith, who was riding on the lead track, immediately sped to the scene of the burning vehicle and successfully rescued three of the crew members. Lieutenant Smith then administered first aid to the injured men, evacuated them from the immediate area, and completely disregarded the deadly flames and the danger of exploding ammunition to courageously extract the remaining crew members. Discovering that the driver was wedged within the driver’s compartment and that his removal from this position was impossible Lieutenant Smith summoned a recovery vehicle. After he had administered vital life saving steps to the driver, Lieutenant Smith seized a fire extinguisher and began battling the fire spreading within the vehicle. When the rescue recovery vehicle arrived, Lieutenant Smith personally directed the lifting of the vehicle to an upright position, allowing the driver to be removed from the burning wreckage. Lieutenant Smith’s heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.