Navy Federal Credit Union

John Lucian Smith became a World War II Marine Corps TRIPLE ACE. He shot down sixteen enemy aircraft in 26 days, and ended the war with NINETEEN confirmed victories. He was the first (of three) Medal of Honor recipient to appear on the cover of “Life” magazine during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 223 (VMF-223)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 23 (MAG-23)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major John Lucian Smith (MCSN: 0-5425), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Commanding Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area during World War II.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 223 (VMF-223)

    Regiment:

    Marine Air Group 23 (MAG-23)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    August – September, 1942

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major John Lucian Smith (MCSN: 0-5425), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as a Commanding Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area during August and September 1942. Repeatedly risking his life in aggressive and daring attacks, Major Smith led his squadron against a determined force, greatly superior in numbers, personally shooting down 16 Japanese planes between 21 August and 15 September 1942. In spite of the limited combat experience of many of the pilots of this squadron, they achieved the notable record of a total of 83 enemy aircraft destroyed in this period, mainly attributable to the thorough training under Major Smith and to his intrepid and inspiring leadership. His bold tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, and the valiant and zealous fortitude of the men of his command not only rendered the enemy’s attacks ineffective and costly to Japan, but contributed to the security of our advance base. His loyal and courageous devotion to duty sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Action Date:

    November 14, 1944 – June 16, 1945

    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: John Lucian Smith (MCSN: 0-5425), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 14 November 1944 through 16 June 1945.