Robert W. Smith

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Robert W. Smith, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as an F- 105 Pilot of the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388 Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, 7th Air Force, in action in Southeast Asia on 19 November 1967. On that date, Colonel Smith led a strike force of twenty F-105 and four F-4 aircraft to the vicinity of Hanoi for the initial strike on an important military target. Colonel Smith gallantly led his force through a hostile aircraft attack, an awesome and extended attack by missiles which downed two aircraft, and into the heavy antiaircraft defenses to strike crippling blows to the assigned target and to a large active surface-to-air missile site. Colonel Smith never wavered from his goal, and with complete disregard for his life, displayed great courage and determined leadership to accomplish an extremely hazardous and difficult mission. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Lieutenant Colonel Smith reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert W. Smith, Captain (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer of Company K, 3d Battalion, 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 24 to 26 December 1944, during the Ardennes offensive of the Wehrmacht. While engaged in fierce action near Kehmen, Luxembourg, Captain Smith made a lone reconnaissance under intense hostile small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire and established contact with a platoon that had become isolated. In the two days of bitter fighting that followed, he exhibited superb courage in leading his company in the face of powerful enemy resistance, and although painfully wounded, personally led an attack on the enemy-held town until he was again seriously wounded. Captain Smith’s heroic leadership was an inspiration to his men and his personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 80th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert W. Smith (0-60795), Captain, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company B, 7th Tractor Battalion, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on March 24, 1967. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Captain Smith upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.