Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (Aviation Warfare)

    Action Date:

    April 8 – October 21, 2006

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (Aviation Warfare) Vincent R. Smit, United States Navy, for meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Air Operations Officer, Naval Special Warfare Task Group-Arabian Peninsula in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 8 April to 21 October 2006. Chief Petty Officer Smit displayed superior leadership, unparalleled operational vision and tactical expertise across every facet of Naval Special Warfare combat air operations. He planned, organized and tracked the air movements of over 3,250 military and civilian personnel and trained and mentored three senior Navy pilots as Task Unit Air Operations Officers. He personally oversaw the planning and coordination of over 152 fixed and rotary wing sorties in direct support of over 653 combat missions, including 50 direct action missions against enemy forces in the volatile Al Anbar province. His performance during these operations helped to ensure the safety of Navy SEALs as well as Iraqi Army and coalition forces in order to effectively support the success of over 246 anti-Iraqi and anti-coalition forces captured or detained, 182 enemies killed in action, and 43 enemies wounded in action. Chief Petty Officer Smit’s distinctive contributions, unrelenting perseverance, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (Aviation Warfare)

    Action Date:

    October 5, 2004 – April 22, 2005

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (Aviation Warfare) Vincent R. Smit, United States Navy, for meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Air Operations Officer for Naval Special Warfare Task Group-Arabian Peninsula in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 5 October 2004 to 22 April 2005. Chief Smit served as the Air Planner for Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-Central and Task Unit-West. He meticulously planned and coordinated robust combined arms air support packages for over 25 offensive combat operations targeting insurgent forces from Baghdad to Ramadi. His diligent efforts in coordinating over 126 rotary and fixed wing close air support sorties and 29 electronic jamming sorties ensured the success of all offensive Naval Special Warfare operations in a complex and lethal combat environment. His leadership and planning skills were instrumental in supporting over 30 Protective Security Detail and Principle movements for foreign heads of state. In addition to his assigned duties, he conducted Civil Affairs projects with local Iraqi civilians in order to provide potable water and foster good will among the local population. Chief Smit’s total effectiveness, forceful leadership, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.