The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Captain [then Commander] Homer Leroy Smith, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE (VA-212) from 2 August 1966 to 12 March 1967, during which time the squadron was embarked on board U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) and participated in aerial combat operations in Southeast Asia. In the short span of less than six months, Captain Smith, through brilliant leadership, selfless dedication, and outstanding administration, was able to train his squadron in the use of a new weapon system, despite a large turnover of officers and enlisted personnel within the squadron, other training requirements, and the late assignment of aircraft requiring extensive modifications. These training efforts culminated in two flights from U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD on 11 and 12 March 1967 against the Sam Son Army Barracks, the Phu Dien Highway Bridge, and the Thanh Hoa Highway and Railroad Bridge, in North Vietnam. Captain Smith planned and led these combat flights with extraordinary skill and precision. Of the four weapons he delivered, the first was a direct hit on an administration building in the Sam Son Barracks area, the second was a direct hit on the Phu Dien Highway Bridge; the third was a direct hit on the Thanh Hoa Bridge, and the fourth was a probable hit on the Thanh Hoa Bridge. By his superb leadership and superior performance of duty in the face of major obstacles, Captain Smith made a significant contribution to the United States effort in Southeast Asia. His actions throughout his assignment as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWELVE were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Smith is authorized the Combat “V”.)