The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Aviation Radioman Second Class Ralph J. Smith, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as gunner attached to a Scouting Plane aboard the U.S.S. SAVANNAH (CL-42) during the invasion of Sicily, 10 to 19 July 1943. He participated in numerous scouting and reconnaissance missions. These missions carried him deep into hostile enemy territory and despite heavy anti-aircraft and air opposition, he contributed immeasurably to the success of our operations.