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

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Arthur B. Smith for heroism while participating in aerial flight near Plei Mrong, Republic of Vietnam from 19 October 1969 to 20 October 1969. On those dates, while acting as a Forward Air Controller in support of beleaguered United States companies of the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Lieutenant Smith repeatedly displayed total disregard for his own life as he faced the combined hazards of marginal weather, darkness, and withering hostile small arms and automatic weapons fire to direct artillery and tactical air power against a large hostile force. The courageous actions of Lieutenant Smith were directly responsible for the saving of numerous American lives as well as inflicting heavy personnel and equipment loss upon the opposing hostile force. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.