UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS---------------- HEADQUARTERS, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC--------------------- ---------------------FPO, SAN FRANCISCO 96601

                 The  Secretary  of  the  Navy  takes  pleasure  in  presenting  the
NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL to

for service as set forth in the following

               CITATION:

                             "For heroic  achievement  while serving  as  a Radio Operator with  the Tactical Air Control Party  with Company L, Third  Battalion, Twenty- Sixth Marines, Third Marine Division.  On 8 September 1967, during  Operation Kingfisher, Company L came under intense rocket fire from a North Vietnamese Army force south of  Con Thien.  Reacting  instantly, Private First Class SMITH fearlessly stood in  an area dangerously exposed to the heavy volume of fire and, skillfully  utilizing  his  radio,  requested air strikes against  the hostile positions. Then,  observing that  his unit had sustained  numerous casualties, he  requested helicopters  to evacuate the wounded.  On  three occasions, he was thrown to the ground by  the explosions of enemy rocket rounds, however each time he regain- ed  his  feet and,  steadfastly remaining  in  his hazardous  position  to  maintain communications,  calmly  directed  the  fire  of  supporting  aircraft  against  the enemy. Subsequently, he assisted in moving several of the casualties to positions of  relative safety.  His bold initiative and  resolute determination  in  the face of extreme  personal danger were an  inspiration to all  who observed him and were instrumental  in the  expeditious evacuation of  his  wounded  comrades.  By  his courage,  professional  competence and  selfless devotion  to duty,  Private  First Class SMITH contributed materially to the accomplishment of his unit's mission and  upheld  the  finest  traditions  of  the  Marine  Corps  and the United States Naval Service."

Private First Class SMITH is authorized to wear the Combat "V".