Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    1st Marine Raider Battalion

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1943

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 513 (December 19, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) (Posthumously) to Corporal Harold William Smith (MCSN: 332732), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving with Company D, First Marine Raider Battalion, at Enogai, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 10 July 1943. Although critically wounded, he refused evacuation and remained with his squad, skillfully leading his men and firing his weapon in an attack on a strong enemy defensive position. With courage and fortitude he stayed in the fight until he was no longer physically able to carry on. Corporal Smith died later from his wounds.