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.