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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Allen Smith (NSN: 0-61287), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PHILIPPINE SEA (CV-47), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 25 January to 6 July 1952. Throughout this period, Captain Smith was highly successful in establishing an outstanding record for carrier operations in the forward areas and in maintaining an unusually high state of morale and fighting spirit among the officers and men of his command. Exercising a thorough understanding of the naval mission in the Korean Conflict, he discharged his duties at all times with a high degree of skill and foresight and perseveringly strove for the improvement of ship operations and for the maintenance of vital services until they reached a high standard of efficiency. By his marked professional ability, sound judgment and zealous devotion to duty, Captain Smith was greatly instrumental in the success achieved by his ship and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Smith is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    August 1963 – April 1966
    Board Serial 1153 (March 3, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Allen Smith (NSN: 0-61287), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Chief of Naval Air Technical Training from August 1963 to April 1966. Responsible for the training of virtually all Naval Aviation personnel, other than pilots, Rear Admiral Smith vigorously and imaginatively attacked the problems associated with providing the operating forces with larger numbers of technically trained personnel in a shorter training period. Through his vision and inspiring leadership, marked improvements were made both in efficiency of training procedures and in management practices throughout his command. His constant concern that the training command provide the closest possible support to the operating forces materialized in a series of specific actions which resulted in the availability to Fleet Commanders of the required number of appropriately trained men at a time when availability of such personnel was crucial to the foreign policy of the United States. Rear Admiral Smith’s sound judgment, keen foresight, and dynamic performance of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.