Service number 2391622
Tour start date 05/04/1968

Bronze Star Medal with valor Device:

For Heroic Action in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a rifleman with Company M, 3d Bn 9th Marines. In the late afternoon of 10 Feb 1969, the 2d platoon, Co M was deployed on a CBT Patrol in the vicinity of the Dakming River approximately 24 miles south of Quang Tri City with the mission of establishing a platoon patrol base on a strategically located hill. On top of the objective an established North Vietnamese platoon was waiting in ambush. As the elements approached the summit of the objective hill PFC Smith was in point blank range of the enemy�??s position when suddenly the enemy platoon opened fire upon them with Heavy automatic weapons, Rocket propelled Grenades and hostile fire. Over the first few moments of contact the Platoon suffered heavy causalities. Despite the rounds impacting around him PFC Smith defiantly stood his ground and returned a heavy volume of suppressive fire upon the enemy enabling the men behind him time to maneuver and continued to do so until he was mortally wounded by an enemy mortar fire. PFC Smith's bold determination and heroic actions and selfless devotion to duty were instrumental in the successful accomplishment of his unit's mission and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and Naval Service.

Smith, James William, Jr., LCpl