The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Paul Bridges Smith, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, from 16 September 1966 to 18 September 1969. Captain Smith contributed significantly to the continued high state of readiness of the Cruiser-Destroyer Force in material and logistics matters. Through diligent application of administrative ability, determination and meticulous execution of programs he provided a system for cost reduction through better utilization of scarce ships’ manpower, increased coordination with shipyards and more work accomplished by ships’ forces. He instituted programs to oversee the needs and demands of ships operating at a high tempo to meet the challenges of Southeast Asian commitments while meeting the constraints of continued fiscal reduction. Captain Smith’s performance was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantDivision:
U.S.S. Laffey (DD-459)Action Date:
April 16, 1945
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Paul Bridges Smith, United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Gunnery Officer in the Destroyer U.S.S. LAFFEY (DD-459), when she was attacked by Japanese planes while serving as radar picket ship northwest of Okinawa, on 16 April 1945. Lieutenant Smith performed his duties courageously and with sound judgment by splitting up the main battery when necessary in order that as many attacking planes as possible could be taken under fire. He was constantly alert and quick to spot and take under fire the most dangerous targets. His continuous vigilance, keen perception and ability to keep the guns firing saved his ship from probable destruction. His conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainAction Date:
October 29, 1969 – October 4, 1972
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain Paul Bridges Smith, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility, Guam, during the period 29 October 1969 through 4 October 1972. An extremely competent and resourceful leader, Captain Smith was responsible for and directly supervised the actions of U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility, Guam, in carrying out its mission to overhaul and repair ships of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and of friendly Foreign Navies. By his leadership and dedication, Captain Smith markedly enhanced the readiness of the Navy of the Republic of Vietnam by successfully completing all required overhauls of Vietnam Navy ships, some in an extremely limited time frame. Providing technical guidance and enlightened leadership, he enabled the facility to markedly increase the readiness of the Patrol Gunboats of Coastal Squadron THREE. By his wise leadership of the military personnel of this command, he enabled the command to contribute to the strategic readiness posture of the United States by successfully completing all required scheduled and emergency dockings of all Polaris submarines deployed in the Pacific. During his tour of command, it was necessary to reduce the size of the workforce by approximately one-third. Captain Smith’s careful planning, wise judgment and calm leadership enabled the facility to accomplish this difficult reduction with a minimum of disruption and disturbance to the activities of the command. By his outstanding leadership, judgment and inspiring devotion to duty throughout, Captain Smith upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.