Harold Page Smith

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Harold Page Smith, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. STEWART (DD-224), in action against a greatly superior Japanese Naval force in the Badoeng Strait, off the Island of Bali, Netherlands East Indies, on the night of 19 – 20 February 1942. Although under heavy fire from the enemy, Lieutenant Commander Smith pressed home the attack which resulted in severe damage to the enemy, while receiving minor damage to his own ship and only one casualty to his personnel. The conduct of Lieutenant Commander Smith throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 302 (May 1942)