The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Watertender First Class Thomas Chapman Smith, United States Navy, for heroism in the line of his profession on the occasion of a fuel fire on board the U.S.S. LEARY, 14 July 1939. While anchored off Chesapeake Beach Pier, Boiler No. 2 was being lighted preparatory to getting under way. When the torch was withdrawn from the furnace, oil suddenly sprayed up through an upper sector, was ignited by the torch and flamed up over the boiler front. Though suffering severe burns to his right arm, Watertender First Class Smith, the senior petty officer in the fireroom, succeeded in personally closing the master oil valve on the boiler now enveloped in flames, and directed the abandonment of the smoke-filled fireroom by the remainder of the watch. By his initiative in directing the men in the fireroom, he undoubtedly saved the lives of all five men present and prevented greater material damage. Although suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation, he remained at his post until all others had escaped and the fuel oil fire was extinguished. His initiative, heroism, leadership, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.