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
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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)