Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Bombing Squadron 19 (VB-19), U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

October 30th, 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron NINETEEN (VB-19), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), assigned to strike major Japanese Fleet Units during the Battle for Leyte Gulf, in the Philippine Islands, on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Smith pressed a dive bombing attack on an enemy aircraft carrier and obtained a direct bomb hit in the face of enemy air opposition and extremely intense and continuous anti-aircraft fire that appreciably contributed to the sinking of that vessel. His courage, daring tactics and fearless devotion to duty were essential factors in the success of our forces and reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Smith and the United States Naval Service."

Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0766 (October 30, 1944).