Chester C. Smith’s FIRST Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to

Chester Carl Smith

Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

for gallantry and intrepidity and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. SWORDFISH (SS-193 on the FIRST and SECOND War Patrols of that submarine during the period 8 December 1941 to 9 March 1942, in enemy controlled waters of the Southwest Pacific. Despite the close watch maintained by enemy air and surface ship patrol, Lieutenant Commander Smith boldly engaged the enemy in a daring attack which resulted in the sinking of the two largest vessels lying at anchor in closed waters. Again after contacting an escorted enemy vessel supply to supply enemy forces, he closed range and promptly attacked the ship which was subsequently found to have been destroyed. Finally, a 3000 ton Japanese tanker was the last of eight enemy vessels to be destroyed by the submarine since the commencement of hostilities. Lieutenant Commander Smith’s fine qualities of inspiring leadership and courageous, aggressive spirit of his command in offensive action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.