AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-6A

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant William R. Smith for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty. First Lieutenant Smith distinguished himself by exceptional valorous actions while serving as Pilot/observer in an OH-6A scout helicopter, on a screening mission for friendly elements near Binh Thanh. The ground force came under fire immediately after insertion. He began making extremely low firing passes to cover the infantry. As heavy fighting continued into the evening, he continued accurate and deadly fire on the enemy. The ground forces, under his covering fire, maneuvered and assaulted the enemy positions and were able to extract their own wounded. Due to the unrelenting efforts put forth by First Lieutenant Smith, the infantry units were able to annihilate the enemy in the field. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.