Staff Sergeant Michael P. Smith distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an AC-119G Aerial Gunner near Song Mao, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 June 1970.  On that night, Sergeant Smith’s aircraft was scrambled from ground alert to aid a United States Ranger unit which was completely surrounded by a hostile force.  Working in a blacked out, violently maneuvering aircraft, Sergeant Smith displayed superior dedication to his job by keeping the miniguns armed and in working order.  This enabled the aircraft to deliver the firepower so critically needed.  His actions were instrumental in his aircraft being credited with breaking the hostile attack, and insuring the safety of the Ranger unit.  The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Smith reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.