The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Thomas Howell Smith, Jr., United States Navy, for gallantry in action in contributing materially to the saving of many lives while a member of a boat crew detailed to rescue survivors from the burning U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2) in the Coral Sea on 8 May 1942. Persistently returning to the side of the stricken carrier, Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Smith, under a hail of flaming debris from exploding bombs, ammunition, and gasoline, performed strenuous rescue work in pulling men out of the water. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.