The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Walton Wiley Smith, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Light Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), in directing sustained attacks against the enemy during the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns despite violent and repeated attacks on his ship by enemy airplanes. On the afternoon of 6 April 1945, his prompt action and expert ship handling unquestionably saved the Cabot from extensive damage by two separate enemy suicide airplanes who dove unsuccessfully on his ship. Throughout a long bitter action fought between 14 March and 8 April 1945, his Task Group was under savage night and day enemy air attacks on 19 of the 26 days. On 7 April 1945, he skillfully and courageously directed an attack on the enemy battleship Yamato and accompanying vessels. As a result of this damage, together with that inflicted by accompanying carriers, the Yamato, the light cruiser Yamagi and several enemy destroyers were sunk. After this action, the Japanese Navy was not again able to put to sea with an effective surface force. His actions contributed materially to the complete defeat of the enemy. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.