VIETNAM - SMITH, DONALD C

Smith, Donald C

VIETNAM - SMITH, DONALD C
SMITH, DONALD C

Rank: Sergeant

Unit: D Company, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

MOS: 11E – Armor Crewman

Awards: Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Badges: Combat Infantryman Badge

Unit awards: Valorous Unit Award, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm device

Enlisted by: Regular

Date of birth: 29-Jun-1934

Hometown: Lawson, Missouri

Marital status: Never Married

Campaign: Vietnam Conflict

Entered service: 15-Mar-1966

Start of tour: 1-Oct-1966

Incident date: 16-Apr-1968

Date of casualty: 16-Apr-1968

Age at death: 33

Cause of death: Hostile, died. Explosive Device. Other explosive device.
Donald C. Smith died from wounds received while on combat operation when hostile booby trap detonated.

Location of fatality: Phuoc Long, South Vietnam, YU 285 018*

Place of interment: Lawson Cemetery, Lawson, Missouri, USA

View this soldier‘s Find a Grave page (opens in a new window)

Vietnam Veterans Memorial panel and row: 50E 022 (view Vietnam Veterans Memorial link in a new window)

 

BRONZE STAR MEDAL

BRONZE STAR MEDAL
WITH VALOR DEVICE
POSTHUMOUS

SERGEANT DONALD C. SMITH
16 APRIL 1968
D COMPANY, 1st SQUADRON

11TH ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT

Sergeant Smith distinguished himself by valorous actions on 16 April 1968, while serving as a Tank Gunner with Company D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiments on a reconnaissance-in-force mission in the Republic of Vietnam. When the lead elements of the armored column came to an intersection on a narrow trail, it was decided to send out a dismounted patrol to examine the roadway for any booby traps or signs of recent enemy activity. Sergeant Smith immediately volunteered to lead the patrol. Alertly observing signs of a possible booby traps Sergeant Smith halted his men, then courageously advanced to investigate the situation. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Sergeant Smith determined that there was indeed a booby trap in the roadway and warned the members of his patrol to move back. At that instant, the device exploded, mortally wounding him. Sergeant Smiths 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.
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division General Orders No. 3575 (19 May 1968)