Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospital Corpsman

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Reinforced)

    Action Date:

    July 11 –13, 1953

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Billy Doyle Smith (NSN: 3457374), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company H, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in Korea from 11 to 13 July 1953. Serving as a Corpsman, Hospitalman Smith displayed incredible courage and devotion to duty. While a vital friendly outpost position located far forward of the main line of resistance was under constant devastating enemy mortar and artillery fire, he unhesitatingly volunteered to relieve the Corpsman assigned to the outpost. Exhibiting remarkable resourcefulness under the deadly hostile fire, he continuously exposed himself in order to care for his stricken comrades and carry them to safety. For two days he courageously continued in this capacity, rendering urgently needed first aid to the wounded Marines and competently directing their expeditious evacuation. When the enemy unleashed a particularly intensive mortar and artillery barrage upon the outpost and several friendly casualties were sustained, he gallantly leaped to his feet and ignoring his own safety proceeded forward to offer medical aid. Observing a stricken comrade lying in a completely exposed area, he dauntlessly crawled through the deadly hail of hostile fire to aid him. While heroically attempting to cover the injured Marine with his body in order to protect him from the intense enemy fire, he fell, mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country. Through his unselfish sacrifice and intrepid actions, the wounded man was not further injured by the hostile fire and was later evacuated to a place of safety. Hospitalman Smith’s unparalleled display of courage and loyalty to his comrades served as an inspiration to all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.