The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Alex B. Smith (MCSN: 297786), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Member of Company B, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands, on 17 June 1944. When his squad’s machine-gun fire failed to halt the advance of three oncoming tanks during an enemy counterattack, Corporal Smith courageously left his position and, armed only with a carbine and an antitank grenade launcher, attacked and put out of action all three of the Japanese tanks. His determination, fighting spirit and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.