Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander [then Ensign]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Houston (CA-30)

    Action Date:

    February 28, 1942

    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 361 (March 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Commander [then Ensign] Charles Donovan Smith (NSN: 0-85240), United States Navy, was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in saving the lives of three men when U.S.S. HOUSTON (CA-30) was struck during the Battle of Sundra Strait on 28 February 1942. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Ensign

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Thailand)

    Action Date:

    February 28, 1942 – August 1945

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Ensign Charles Donovan Smith (NSN: 0-85240), United States Navy, was captured by the Japanese after the sinking of his ship the U.S.S. HOUSTON (CA-3), on 28 February 1942, and was interned as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control in 1945.