The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Samuel S. Smith, Jr. (MCSN: 0-11634), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company D, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 6 and 7 December 1950. With the main supply route from Hagaru-ri menaced by numerically superior and well-entrenched hostile forces commanding strategic hill positions overlooking open terrain, Captain Smith daringly exposed himself to intense mortar, grenade and machine-gun fire to direct his company in a fierce attack on the enemy strongholds. Personally leading his men up the icebound, rocky incline in the face of overwhelming odds, he succeeded in attaining his objective and was materially responsible for the killing of an estimated 200 of the enemy and the capture of 180. Early on the following morning, with the company command post subjected to a savage counter-attack by a hostile force of approximately battalion strength, resulting in heavy casualties to his men, Captain Smith bravely rallied his forces on the razor-backed ledge and, undaunted by heavy fire, gallantly held his ground until the wounded could be evacuated. Later, when mounting casualties and the ferocity of the attack necessitated redeployment to higher ground, he skillfully directed the movement across the treacherous terrain and was one of the last to leave, remaining at his post and inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Reaching his new position, he immediately reorganized his depleted company to offset any further hostile attacks. By his brilliant strategy and leadership, he contributed directly to the capture and maintenance of valuable ridge lines overlooking the main supply route from Hagaru-ri. His outstanding courage, perseverance and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Captain Smith and the United States Naval Service.