The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Frank Higgins Rile, Jr. (NSN: 0-81156), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. SMITH (DD-378), during the battle to the northward of Santa Cruz islands, on 26 October 1942. While being subjected to a determined enemy aerial attack, Lieutenant Rile, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, led a fire party into the forward part of his ship, then enveloped in flames from burning gasoline and powder, and coolly and efficiently assisted in extinguishing the conflagration, thereby enabling his ship to continue in action against the enemy. Lieutenant Rile’s conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.