The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Loren R. Smith (MCSN: 0-40624), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Executive Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea the early morning of 28 November 1950. Ordered to reinforce a friendly unit on a strategic hill near Yudam-ni, and forced to approach the objective over an un-reconnoitered route, First Lieutenant Smith led his company forward in darkness and sub-zero temperatures, maneuvering up the reverse slopes and gaining the crest and adjoining ridges of the assigned positions before the enemy suddenly opened fire against the forward elements with small arms, automatic weapons, rockets and mortars. Spotting approximately twenty-five of the enemy attempting an enveloping movement of the left flank and firing relentlessly on stretcher bearers evacuating the wounded at the height of the action, he promptly left his command post position under intense enemy fire and, organizing a group of four Marines from the mortar section and machine-gun platoon, personally led them in an assault against the attackers, killing at least ten and forcing the others to withdraw in disorder. With his ranks depleted by casualties and he himself painfully wounded in the face by grenade fragments, he staunchly refused evacuation and, after directing men from the carrying parties into a hasty defense to protect the flank, quickly went forward to the command post to obtain reinforcing units. Integrating a squad from an attacking rifle platoon with elements from Company Headquarters, he placed them in advantageous positions to secure the area, thereby protecting the supply and evacuation route and contributing to the success of his company’s mission. By his inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty in the face of grave peril, First Lieutenant Smith was in large measure responsible for the saving of many lives and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.