The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Harry L. Smith, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Commander of an Amphibious Support Vessel engaged in radar picket duty, in operations against the enemy on 12 April 1945, during the amphibious assault and capture of Okinawa. Demonstrating outstanding qualities of leadership, unfaltering determination, and profound devotion to duty, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Smith fought his ship with conspicuous merit throughout the action in which several enemy planes made suicide attacks on his vessel, two of which hit the ship and inflicted severe damage. Despite the handicaps caused by fire, impaired operating efficiency, and wounded personnel, he displayed adroit skill, intelligent resourcefulness, and dauntless courage in continuing his ship in action, destroying two enemy aircraft and assisting in the destruction of two others, thereby contributing materially to the success of this amphibious operations. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.