Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Russell Simonds Smith (NSN: 0-59378), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Gunnery Officer and Assistant Operations Officer on the Staff of the Commander FIFTH Fleet from 5 August 1943 to 8 December 1944. During this period, forces under the command of the Commander FIFTH Fleet captured and occupied positions in the Gilbert, Marshall and Mariana Islands, secured control of the sea and air in the Central Pacific, and successfully met and defeated a striking force composed of major enemy fleet units in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Captain Smith, with great diligence participated in the meticulous planning for these operations and during their execution was ever at hand to advise the Commander FIFTH Fleet in matters pertaining to the use of all offensive and defensive weapons and to the operation and capabilities of radar. His industry, ability and thorough understanding of the problems of modern warfare contributed to the success of these operations against the enemy. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Smith is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cleveland (CL-55)

    Action Date:

    March 5, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 00472 (May 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Russell Simonds Smith (NSN: 0-59378), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Gunnery Officer of the U.S.S. CLEVELAND (CL-55), operating as a unit of a Task Force during a bombardment of Japanese airfields and shore installations in the Vila-Stanhope area on Kolombangara, British Solomon Islands, on the night of 5 March 1943. While proceeding through Kula Gulf to the target area, the Task Force engaged and sank two enemy destroyers. By his able direction of the gun crews and accurate control of the ship’s fire, Commander Smith contributed materially to the success of the surface engagement and to the successful completion of the bombardment mission. His courage was an inspiration to the men under his supervision and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    April 16 – June 14, 1951
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 1608 (October 17, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Russell Simonds Smith (NSN: 0-59378), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Task Group 77.2, from 16 April 1951 through 14 June 1951. Discharging his many responsibilities with diligence and exceptional ability, Captain Smith, through his personal leadership and guidance of the Destroyer Screen of Task Force SEVENTY-SEVEN contributed materially to the successful operations of the force against the Communist enemy in Korea. By his judgment, outstanding professional skill and conscientious devotion to fulfillment of an important task, he contributed to the advance of our forces northward on the Korean Peninsula, and his conduct throughout this period reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.