MAJOR MARK A. SMITH, (then Captain). For extraordinary heroism during the period 5 April 1972 to 7 April 1972 while serving as the Senior Battalion Liaison Officer to the 9th Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On 5 April 1972, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces launched a major offensive with the objective of capturing Binh Long Province in Military Region Three. The 5th Viet Cong Division was targeted against Loc Ninh the capital of Loc Ninh District in northern Binh Long Province. The 5th Viet Cong Division launched a massive coordinated ground attack against Loc Ninh beginning early in the morning of 5 April 1972. The attack was supported by artillery and tanks. Captain smith skillfully directed tactical airstrikes and helicopter gunships in support of the 9th Infantry Regiment and other South Vietnamese forces in the area. To inflict the maximum casualties on the enemy and to bring the fires as close as possible to the friendly forces, he left the safety of his bunker and moved throughout the area seeking strategic vantage points from which he directed friendly fire. Time and time again he directed the fighters, bombers, gunships, and artillery fire on top of his own position to drive off the attacking enemy. The combination of Captain SmithÃs courage and professional skills coupled with all available firepower kept the numerically enemy at bay for more than two days. Captain SmithÃs extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.
Maj. Smith is a life member and resides overseas.