The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Captain Levering Smith, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Head of the Propulsion Branch; as Deputy Technical Director; and as Technical Director, Special Projects Office, from 2 April 1956 to 20 July 1960. Captain Smith skillfully directed the efforts which placed early emphasis on advancing the “state-of-the-art” of solid propellant development. Breakthroughs resulting from his efforts provided one of the two major scientific advances needed in the conception of a practicable Fleet Ballistic Missile Weapons System.