Home of Record: Saugus, California
Date of Birth: Wednesday, 08/31/1949

Service: Army of the United States
Grade at loss: E4
Rank: Specialist Four
ID No: 18862518
Specialty (MOS): 11E20 Armor Crewman
Length of Service: Between 1 and 2 years
Unit: C TRP, 3RD SQD, 5TH CAV RGT, 9 INF DIV
Start Tour: Sunday, 03/02/1969

Casualty Date: Friday, 04/18/1969
Age at Loss: 19
Remains: Body Recovered
Location: Quang Tri, South Vietnam
Casualty Type: Hostile, Died
Casualty Reason: Multiple Fragmentation Wounds - Ground Casualty

Vietnam Memorial Wall: Panel 26W Line 004

Click to enlarge.

Nineteen-year-old Charles C. Smith Jr. of Saugus, who was killed in Vietnam April 18, has received special recognition.

Last Sunday, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith of 27536 Camp Plenty Road in Saugus, were presented with the Bronze Star and the Bronze Star with the "V" Device (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for their son's heroism during heavy fighting in a Vietnam battle.

The awards were given under the direction of President Nixon and were presented to the Smiths in a formal ceremony at their home by an officer from Fort MacArthur.

Smith, who earned the rank of Specialist Four, distinguished himself on April 18 while serving as a fire team leader with Troop C, Third Squadron, Fifth Calvary, during a mission in the Quang Tri Province.

After setting up in a night defensive position, Smith's unit came under enemy attack.

Smith took up an exposed position to return fire against the enemy and continued to do so until he was mortally wounded.

A 1967 graduate of Hart High, Smith is the fourth Valencia Valley resident to die in the Vietnam war.