The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Lee K. Smithson (ASN: 0-737287), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy in aerial flight on 27 April 1945, while serving as Aircraft Commander of a B-29 Superfortress Bomber of the 52d Bombardment Squadron, 29th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). TWENTIETH Air Force. Captain Smithson was flying from a base in the Mariana Islands on a daylight raid against Kushira airfield. Despite the fact that his plane was subjected to several vicious fighter attacks and sustained damage on the bombing run, Captain Smithson kept his position in formation. The target was demolished by the successful bombardment. After bombs away, another large group of fighters came in for attacks as the formation fought its way to land’s end. One plane in their formation, hit badly by an explosive shell, left the formation with a wing on fire. Enemy fighters closed in on the crippled B-29. Captain Smithson, despite the damage already inflicted on his own aircraft, receiving permission, left the formation and flew to the defense of the B-29 in distress. Engaging in a savage aerial battle, Captain Smithson’s crew kept off enemy fighters until the crewmen in the burning bomber could bail out. After a five-minute running battle out to sea, the fighters abandoned their attacks. Disregarding the danger of further fighter attacks, Captain Smithson returned to aid the downed airmen. Locating three survivors, he dropped them a life raft. After sending a position report to a friendly rescue vessel, he then searched the area forty-five minutes for more survivors. The rescue ship arrived and Captain Smithson, low on fuel, flew safely to home base. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Smithson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.