The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Raymond C. Smith (MCSN: 1196276), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a member of Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on the night of 6 October 1952. Participating in the defense of a vital combat outpost forward of the main line of resistance when the enemy launched an intense mortar and artillery bombardment which completely disrupted the platoon’s communication system, Private First Class Smith, keenly aware of the personal danger involved, advanced through the trench line to lay and repair wire and re-establish contact between the units on the outpost. Fearlessly manning his automatic weapon as an overwhelming force of hostile troops attacked the position, he aided in repelling the first enemy wave and delivered counterfire until his ammunition was expended and the outpost was overrun. Suffering from painful wounds sustained during this furious action, Private First Class Smith refused to leave his post and, armed with a bayonet knife attacked to a broken carbine, stood guard outside the command post bunker to protect the wounded Marines placed within, successfully repulsing the hostile troops as they attempted to approach the bunker. When the enemy threw hand grenades into the bunker, he hurled the deadly missiles back at them and, after a rescue unit arrived, assisted in carrying the wounded back to the main line of resistance, continuing his heroic efforts until he dropped to the ground from exhaustion. By his exemplary valor, fortitude and gallant devotion to duty, Private First Class Smith served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.