Medal of Honor: Larry E. Smedley – Vietnam War – December 21, 1967

Name: Larry E. Smedley
Rank: Corporal
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Place and Date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam – 21 December 1967
Entered Service At: Orlando, Florida
Born: March 4, 1949 – Front Royal, Virginia
Departed: December 21, 1967 (Killed in Action)
Accredited To: Virginia

---

Summary of Action

On the night of December 20–21, 1967, Corporal Larry E. Smedley was serving as a squad leader with Company D during combat operations near the mouth of Happy Valley, close to Phuoc Ninh (2) in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam.

Leading a six-man squad to an ambush site, Smedley observed a large enemy force—estimated at nearly 100 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army soldiers—moving toward Hill 41 while carrying 122mm rocket launchers and mortars. Realizing the enemy intended to launch a major attack against the vital Da Nang complex, Smedley immediately radioed for a reaction force and took decisive action to disrupt the enemy movement.

Skillfully repositioning his squad, he led an aggressive attack against the numerically superior enemy. During the engagement, intense fire from an enemy machinegun on the squad’s left flank caused multiple Marine casualties. At the same time, an enemy rifle grenade exploded nearby, severely wounding Smedley in the foot and knocking him to the ground.

Disregarding his injury, Smedley rose, shouted encouragement to his Marines, and led a direct assault on the machinegun position—firing his rifle and hurling grenades. He was struck again by enemy fire and knocked down, but despite grave wounds and heavy blood loss, he stood once more and launched a final, single-handed attack.

His assault succeeded in destroying the enemy machinegun position, but Smedley was mortally wounded by a burst of fire to the chest. His actions halted the enemy advance and prevented a rocket attack that could have inflicted catastrophic damage on Da Nang.

---

Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company D, in connection with operations against the enemy. On the evenings of 20–21 December 1967, Cpl. Smedley led his 6-man squad to an ambush site at the mouth of Happy Valley, near Phuoc Ninh (2) in Quang Nam Province. Later that night an estimated 100 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army regulars, carrying 122mm rocket launchers and mortars, were observed moving toward Hill 41. Realizing this was a significant enemy move to launch an attack on the vital Da Nang complex, Cpl. Smedley immediately took sound and courageous action to stop the enemy threat. After he radioed for a reaction force, he skillfully maneuvered his men to a more advantageous position and led an attack on the numerically superior enemy force. A heavy volume of fire from an enemy machinegun positioned on the left flank of the squad inflicted several casualties on Cpl. Smedley’s unit. Simultaneously, an enemy rifle grenade exploded nearby, wounding him in the right foot and knocking him to the ground. Cpl. Smedley disregarded this serious injury and valiantly struggled to his feet, shouting words of encouragement to his men. He fearlessly led a charge against the enemy machinegun emplacement, firing his rifle and throwing grenades, until he was again struck by enemy fire and knocked to the ground. Gravely wounded and weak from loss of blood, he rose and commenced a 1-man assault against the enemy position. Although his aggressive and singlehanded attack resulted in the destruction of the machinegun, he was struck in the chest by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded. Cpl. Smedley’s inspiring and courageous actions, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.