The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Radioman Second Class Kenneth William Smith, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving aboard an Infantry Landing Craft LCI(L), during the initial landing operations against Japanese-occupied Lae, New Guinea, on 4 September 1943. When a direct hit demolished the radio room of the LCI on which he was serving, although severely wounded, Radioman Second Class Smith proceeded to the bridge and replaced the injured helmsman at the wheel. After steering the ship to a beach, he returned to the damaged radio room and labored valiantly to restore equipment to service until he lost consciousness. Radioman Second Class Smith’s exceptional courage and valiant devotion to duty in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.