The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Joseph G. Smith (NSN: 0-81636), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. On 7 May Lieutenant Smith participated in a dive bombing attack on an enemy aircraft carrier and contributed materially to the destruction of that vessel. On 8 May he made the original contact with the enemy and by his courage and perseverance contributed in a great degree to the success of the engagement that followed. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.