Allen Wesley Smith

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Allen Wesley Smith, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Composite Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE (VC-75), embarked from the U.S.S. OMMANEY BAY (CVE-79), Bay, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Battle off Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, on 25 October 1944. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.