David Smiley Stear

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to David Smiley Stear, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron TWO (VB-2), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), on 20 June 1944, while deployed over the Philippine Sea. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.