AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  OH-13S

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charles H. Smith, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight. On 4 February 1966, Chief Warrant Officer Smith was serving as Aircraft Commander of an OH-13S helicopter. He learned that a 28-man American patrol had been hit by two claymore mines. Nine soldiers had been killed and 13 wounded, several of whom were in serious condition requiring immediate medical treatment. Medical evacuation helicopters were requested. Realizing the lives of the wounded soldiers depended upon prompt medical treatment, Chief Warrant Officer Smith immediately volunteered to select a landing zone and organize the area evacuation of the injured personnel. With utter disregard for his personal safety and amidst intensive Viet Cong ground fire, Chief Warrant Officer Smith deftly maneuvered his craft toward the selected landing zone, as his Crew Chief fired magazine after magazine into the Viet Cong position. He then landed in a small, unsecured clearing. Armed only with grenades and an M-16 rifle, he cleared the area which was located near a Viet Cong force of unknown size. Upon arrival of the medical evacuation helicopters, Chief Warrant Officer Smith, at great personal risk, again went aloft and conducted continual aerial surveillance over approaches into the area. Because of his superior flying skill, daring courage, and determination under fire, Chief Warrant Officer Smith was instrumental in the successful rescue of 22 casualties under most adverse conditions. Chief Warrant Officer Smith's actions were in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.