Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Daniel
Fletcher
Smith
, Jr.
March 31, 1910

–

October 5, 1971

Daniel Fletcher graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1932. He became a World War II Navy ACE, credited with shooting down 6.083) enemy aircraft in aerial combat. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 20 (VF-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 24 & 25, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 012 (January 7, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Daniel Fletcher Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-71350), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron TWENTY (VF-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 24 and 25 October 1944. Taking off from his carrier on 24 October to interrupt the enemy fleet moving on the Philippines by a southern route, Commander Smith led a coordinated air attack on the hostile forces in the Sulu Sea and, during the fierce engagement, personally scored rocket hits on and strafed a cruiser and contributed to the success of his Air Group in the destruction of a battleship which was left a smoldering ruin. Striking vigorously at Northern units of the enemy fleet on the following morning, Commander Smith conducted daring rocket and strafing attacks and aided in sinking one large carrier and in severely damaging a smaller one. Later in the afternoon he led a fighter-bomber sweep which scored direct hits on both a battleship and cruiser, inflicting heavy damage on the cruiser. Commander Smith’s aggressive leadership and bold combat tactics upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Regiment:

    Air Group 20 (AG-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Daniel Fletcher Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-71350), United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Regiment:

    Air Group 20 (AG-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Daniel Fletcher Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-71350), United States Navy, was awarded a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Regiment:

    Air Group 20 (AG-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Daniel Fletcher Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-71350), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    June 1968 – August 1970

    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 Rear Admiral Daniel Fletcher Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-71350), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander United States Naval Forces, Japan from June 1968 to August 1970. Through his extremely competent and resourceful leadership, Rear Admiral Smith coordinated and strengthened the efforts of all U.S. Navy and Marine Corps activities in Japan and the Ruykyus in supporting the United States SEVENTH Fleet. His decisions in areas of extremely sensitive operations of high naval and national importance were made with precision and forcefulness and resulted in continued exceptional operational performance. Rear Admiral Smith was exceptionally effective in his relationship with the leaders of the Japanese Government, industry, and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. His advice and counsel on matters mutually affecting the Self Defense Fleet and the United States Navy were often sought and highly valued. Rear Admiral Smith’s exemplary professionalism, coupled with his sincere and continuing personal interest and involvement in promoting good relations with the people of Japan, resulted in the highest esteem for the United States Navy and for Rear Admiral Smith himself. By his initiative, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, he rendered valuable and distinguished service, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Regiment:

    Air Group 20 (AG-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    December 3, 1943 – January 16, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Daniel Fletcher Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-71350), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Air Group TWENTY, attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Bonin Islands, the Coast of French Indo-China and the South China Sea, from 3 December 1943 to 16 January 1945. By his inspiring leadership, his exceptional energy, and his determination in training and indoctrinating numerous replacement pilots when his air group was reorganized in the midst of combat operations, Commander Smith developed his air group into an efficient and successful combat unit. His resourcefulness and aggressiveness reflect great credit upon Commander Smith and the United States Naval Service. (Commander Smith is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Regiment:

    Air Group 20 (AG-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    January 12, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01152 (February 2, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Daniel Fletcher Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-71350), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer Air Group TWENTY (AG-20), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in operations against enemy surface vessels and shipping in the South China Sea, on 12 January 1945. Assigned as target coordinator, Commander Smith led his formation against a heavily guarded enemy convoy, directing the attack with such skill and daring that all of the ships, totaling 20,300 tons, were either sunk or so badly damaged that they later sank or were beached. In addition, he delivered effective strafing attacks on a destroyer escort and a large cargo vessel despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and undesirable weather conditions. By his inspiring leadership, courage and aggressiveness, he contributed materially to the success of his Air Group and his devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Regiment:

    Air Group 20 (AG-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander Daniel Fletcher Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-71350), United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    June 1968 – August 1970
    Board Serial 1315 (August 5, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Daniel Fletcher Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-71350), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander United States Naval Forces, Japan, from June 1968 to August 1970. Through his extremely competent and resourceful leadership, Rear Admiral Smith coordinated and strengthened the efforts of all U.S. navy and Marine Corps activities in Japan and the Ryukyus in supporting the United States SEVENTH Fleet. His decisions in areas of extremely sensitive operations of high naval and national importance were made with precision and forcefulness and resulted in continued exceptional operational performance. Rear Admiral Smith was exceptionally effective in his relationship with the leaders of the Japanese Government, industry, and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. His advice and counsel on matters mutually affecting the Self Defense Fleet and the United States Navy were often sought and highly valued. Rear Admiral Smith’s exemplary professionalism, coupled with his sincere and continuing personal interest and involvement in promoting good relations with the people of Japan, resulted in the highest esteem for the United States Navy and for Rear Admiral Smith himself. By his initiative, sound judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty, he rendered valuable and distinguished service, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.