Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    120th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1944

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 50 (August 26, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Albert A. Smith (ASN: 0-1304132), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Smith was commanding an element of an infantry force assigned the mission of capturing an enemy-fortified town. The attacking force was pinned down by heavy enemy mortar, artillery, and small arms fire, and the enemy counterattacked with two tanks. With complete disregard for his personal safety, First Lieutenant Smith advanced into an open field in the face of the hostile fire, and with a bazooka routed the approaching tanks single-handed. This courageous deed materially aided in the eventual capitulation of the enemy-held town. The personal bravery and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Smith reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    120th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 7, 1944

    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 74 (October 9, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Albert A. Smith (ASN: 0-1304132), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 August 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Smith was serving as the Commanding Officer of an infantry unit given the mission of attacking a strongly-held town in an attempt to rescue some troops who had become isolated in earlier fighting. First Lieutenant Smith personally led his troops, and continually exposed himself to direct enemy fire in order to most effectively maneuver his unit. When the town had been reached, he was most vigorous in personal endeavors to ferret out the enemy. As a result of his dogged fighting spirit and indomitable leadership, the mission was accomplished, although with the loss of his life. His self-sacrificing courage, inspired determination and endeavor, will long be remembered by his comrades in arms. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Smith, 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 Army.