Robert E. Smith

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Robert E. Smith, Ensign, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Plane, embarked from the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action on 8 May 1942, during the Air Battle of the Coral 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.