Medal of Honor: Elmelindo R. Smith – U.S. Army – Vietnam War

Name: Elmelindo R. Smith
Rank: Platoon Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant)
Branch: U.S. Army
Unit: 1st Platoon, Company C, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division
Place: Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Honolulu, Hawaii
Born: 27 July 1935, Honolulu, Hawaii

Summary of Action

On 16 February 1967, during a reconnaissance patrol in the Republic of Vietnam, Platoon Sergeant Elmelindo R. Smith’s platoon was suddenly engulfed by intense enemy machinegun fire from three sides. Quickly establishing a defensive perimeter, the unit found itself subjected to increasing mortar and rocket fire as the enemy pressed repeated assaults from multiple directions.

With complete disregard for his own safety, P/Sgt. Smith moved along the defensive line through the deadly fire, repositioning soldiers, distributing ammunition, and encouraging his men to hold fast. When he was struck down by enemy fire and severely wounded in the shoulder, he rose to his feet, killed the enemy soldier who had shot him, and continued his efforts.

Wounded again in the shoulder and stomach, he continued to move on his knees around the perimeter, refusing to withdraw. Observing enemy forces massing at a vulnerable point in the line, he crawled into the open and poured deadly fire into their ranks. He was then struck by a rocket blast.

Regaining consciousness moments later, and drawing upon his fading strength, he continued crawling from man to man, offering direction and encouragement. When he could move no farther, he deliberately remained in the open so he could alert his platoon to enemy movement.

He died where he lay — never ceasing his determined effort to defend his men.

His extraordinary courage and indomitable leadership inspired the remaining members of his platoon to repel the enemy assaults and hold their position.

Medal of Honor Citation

SMITH, ELMELINDO R.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. During a reconnaissance patrol, his platoon was suddenly engaged by intense machinegun fire hemming in the platoon on 3 sides. A defensive perimeter was hastily established, but the enemy added mortar and rocket fire to the deadly fusillade and assaulted the position from several directions. With complete disregard for his safety, P/Sgt. Smith moved through the deadly fire along the defensive line, positioning soldiers, distributing ammunition and encouraging his men to repel the enemy attack. Struck to the ground by enemy fire which caused a severe shoulder wound, he regained his feet, killed the enemy soldier and continued to move about the perimeter. He was again wounded in the shoulder and stomach but continued moving on his knees to assist in the defense. Noting the enemy massing at a weakened point on the perimeter, he crawled into the open and poured deadly fire into the enemy ranks. As he crawled on, he was struck by a rocket. Moments later, he regained consciousness, and drawing on his fast dwindling strength, continued to crawl from man to man. When he could move no farther, he chose to remain in the open where he could alert the perimeter to the approaching enemy. P/Sgt. Smith perished, never relenting in his determined effort against the enemy. The valorous acts and heroic leadership of this outstanding soldier inspired those remaining members of his platoon to beat back the enemy assaults. P/Sgt. Smith’s gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and they reflect great credit upon him and the Armed Forces of his country.