The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain [then Commander] James M. Smith, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as commander of an LCI(L) flotilla during the occupation of the Treasury Islands and in evacuation operations on Choiseul Island during World War II. Captain Smith showed courageous leadership and gallant devotion to duty. Beaching his ship on Japanese-held Choiseul Island during the black of night, he skillfully evacuated troops of a Marine battalion in 12 minutes without casualty to embarking troops or damage to his ships.