The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Allen Wesley Smith (NSN: 0-74619), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VC-75), attached to the U.S.S. OMMANEY BAY (CVE-79), in the Battle off Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. Lieutenant Commander Smith led his Division against an enemy heavy cruiser, scoring a direct bomb hit which, together with four other hits made by other members of his group, left the cruiser without way, burning and seriously damaged. Upon return to his carrier he was assigned a second mission to seek out and destroy any cripples or stragglers of the enemy surface force. He led his section of three torpedo planes against a heavy cruiser under adverse weather conditions, coordinating his attack with a bombing and strafing attack on a light cruiser and destroyers. The torpedo attack was skillfully executed, three direct torpedo hits being made, of which one was his own, through heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire. The heavy cruiser sank in a short period of time as a result of the three torpedo hits and the light cruiser and one destroyer were hit and damaged by his bombing and strafing planes. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.