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Navy Federal Credit Union
Chester
Carl
Smith
February 16, 1905

–

January 24, 1976

Chester Smith graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1925. He retired as a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Swordfish (SS-193)

    Action Date:

    May 15 – July 4, 1942
    Commander Submarines Pacific: Serial 4415 (December 17, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Chester Carl Smith (NSN: 0-59472), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding officer of the U.S.S. SWORDFISH (SS-193), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that submarine in enemy waters from 15 May 1942 to 4 July 1942. With great skill and aggressiveness Commander Smith daringly penetrated a strong escort screen and, despite attacking destroyers, launched torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking of three enemy ships, totaling approximately 17,000 tons. He skillfully evaded strong enemy countermeasures and brought his ship back to port safely. Commander Smith’s conduct throughout was an inspiration to all with whom he served, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    March 11, 1942 – March 17, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 02164 (March 15, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Chester Carl Smith (NSN: 0-59472), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of Submarine Division SIXTY-ONE, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Forward Pacific War Areas, from 11 March 1942 to 17 March 1944. Molding the submarines of his division into a highly effective fighting unit, Captain Smith contributed materially to the success of the division in sinking enemy craft totaling over 250,000 tons and in damaging many more tons of enemy shipping. By his leadership, professional skill and devotion to duty, Captain Smith upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Swordfish (SS-193)

    Action Date:

    December 9 – 22, 1941

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Chester Carl Smith (NSN: 0-59472), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SWORDFISH (SS-193), on patrol at sea between 9 December 1941 and 22 December 1941. Lieutenant Commander Smith made numerous contacts with enemy vessels. By aggressive and skillful tactics and in the face of considerable opposition from escorting enemy vessels he successfully attacked and damaged several and caused to sink at least four enemy cargo or merchant vessels. The conditions under which he attacked and the methods employed indicated an offensive spirit, fine leadership and a determination to carry the war to the enemy. The results have contributed materially to the damage inflicted on the enemy. Lieutenant Commander Smith’s fine qualities of inspiring leadership and the courageous, aggressive spirit of his command in offensive action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Swordfish (SS-193)

    Action Date:

    January 24 – February 19, 1942

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Chester Carl Smith (NSN: 0-59472), United States Navy, for outstanding and continued successful actions against the enemy as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SWORDFISH (SS-193), on the SECOND War Patrol of that Submarine during the period from 24 January to 19 February 1942. Despite the close watch maintained by enemy air and surface ship patrol, Lieutenant Commander Smith boldly entered the narrow waters of Celebes, Netherlands East Indies, during daylight on 24 January 1942, and engaged the enemy in a daring attack which resulted in the sinking of the two largest vessels lying at anchor in closed waters. Again on 18 February, off the Island of Luzon, Philippine Islands, after contacting an escorted enemy vessel supplying enemy forces on that island, he closed range and promptly attacked the shi which was subsequently found to have been destroyed. Following the attacks on both these occasions, his superb seamanship and alert evasive tactics enabled the SWORDFISH to avoid vigorous enemy counter measures and stand out of the area. Finally, on 19 February, a 3,000-ton Japanese tanker off the entrance to Subic Bay, was the last of eight enemy vessels to be destroyed by the SWORDFISH since the commencement of hostilities. Lieutenant Commander Smith’s fine qualities of inspiring leadership and the courageous, aggressive spirit of his command in offensive action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.