The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Julian C. Smith (MCSN: 0-919), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the SECOND Marine Division prior to and during the occupation of enemy Japanese-held Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, from 30 April 1943 to 20 January 1944. Responsible for the intensive training of his division for this highly important and hazardous mission, Major General Smith worked tirelessly for many months to weld the various units of his command into a powerful striking force. Under heavy enemy fire as he proceeded ashore to establish his command post and subjected to continued Japanese sniper fire while personally directing the operations of his command, Major General Smith, by his brilliant leadership, resolute tenacity and gallantry in the face of terrific opposition, inspired his officers and men to heroic heights of endeavor in combating and overwhelming a relentless, fanatical enemy. His valiant devotion to duty in the successful completion of an exacting and vital assignment reflects the highest credit upon Major General Smith, his command and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorDivision:
Guardia Nacional de NicaraguaAction Date:
October 1930 – January 2, 1933
Authority – USMC Communiqu: 0919-1-3 1240-Z (19 August 1933)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Julian C. Smith (MCSN: 0-919), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession, as Area Commander, Central Area, and Chief of Staff of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, from October 1930 to 2 January 1933. Major Smith, as Area Commander, Central Area, Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, with headquarters at Jonotaga, from October 1930 to April 1932, personally directed the operations of his Guardia against the armed bandit forces operating under capable leaders in the difficult terrain of the Central Area with such aggressiveness and tactical skill as to bring to successful conclusions some sixty contacts with the enemy, driving them from the settled portions of the Area. In addition he bore the responsibility of the organization and administration of his Area under martial law, which involved constant dealings with the general public, and which commanded a highly developed sense of justice and the highest qualities of leadership. The spirit of understanding and cooperation displayed by him in his relations with native and foreign inhabitants, to further the interests of harmony between civil and military officials, was exceptional, and his general conduct of affairs pertaining to the efficient administration of his Area was all that could be desired. As Chief of Staff of the Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua, from May 1932 to the date of the evacuation, a period of active military operations, he rendered exceptionally distinguished and outstanding service, particularly in the preparation and execution of plans for the orderly turnover of the Guardia Nacional to the control of Nicaraguan officers, for the fulfillment of the Guardia mission of preserving law and order and public confidence during the electoral period of 1932 making possible the successful conduct of the national election under American supervision, and for the successful evacuation of the American personnel of the Guardia from their posts in the interior of a hostile country.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
July – October 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Julian C. Smith (MCSN: 0-919), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, Expeditionary Troops, THIRD Fleet, from July to October 1944. During this period, Major General Smith was charged with the responsibility of preparing over-all operation plans, training and rehearsing troops for our offensive against the enemy in the strategically important islands of the Palau Group, and in another area subsequently withdrawn from the campaign and of supervising operations in the field. The success of the campaign, executed against an enemy well entrenched in strong fortifications and fighting with fanatical determination, attests his sound judgment, careful planning, and resourceful and inspiring leadership. His performance of duty throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.