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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, Junior Grade Harold John Smith (NSN: 0-321134), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in attacks against major Japanese Fleet units, including battleships, aircraft carriers, and cruisers, in Kure Harbor, Japan, on 28 July 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Smith skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft through intense anti-aircraft fire, from both the enemy warships in the harbor and the many gun emplacements on shore. He scored a direct bomb hit on the battleship assigned to him as a target, contributing materially to the heavy and extensive damage done this warship which later settled to the bottom of the harbor. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    July 24, 1945
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 01701 (September 3, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Harold John Smith (NSN: 0-321134), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron SIX (VB-6), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in the attack on major units of the Japanese fleet in Kure Harbor, Japan, consisting of battleships, carriers and heavy cruisers, on 24 July 1945. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Smith skillfully and courageously piloted his aircraft through intense anti-aircraft fire, from both the enemy warships in the harbor and the many gun emplacements on shore. He scored a direct bomb hit on the battleship assigned him as a target, contributing materially to the heavy and extensive damage done this warship which later settled to the bottom of the harbor. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.