Smith, John Lucian

Date of birth:: December 26th, 1914 (Lexington/Oklahoma, United States)
Date of death:: June 9th, 1972
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Medal of Honor - Navy/Marine Corps (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: Marine Fighting Squadron 223 (VMF-223), Marine Aircraft Group 23 (MAG-23), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

"For conspicuous gallantry and heroic achievement in aerial combat above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 223 during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area, August-September 1942. Repeatedly risking his life in aggressive and daring attacks, Maj. Smith led his squadron against a determined force, greatly superior in numbers, personally shooting down 16 Japanese planes between 21 August and 15 September 1942. In spite of the limited combat experience of many of the pilots of this squadron, they achieved the notable record of a total of 83 enemy aircraft destroyed in this period, mainly attributable to the thorough training under Maj. Smith and to his intrepid and inspiring leadership. His bold tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, and the valiant and zealous fortitude of the men of his command not only rendered the enemy's attacks ineffective and costly to Japan, but contributed to the security of our advance base. His loyal and courageous devotion to duty sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service."

Medal of Honor - Navy/Marine Corps (MoH)

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: Marine Fighting Squadron 223 (VMF-223), Marine Aircraft Group 23 (MAG-23), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, U.S. Marine Corps

"For extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Commanding Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-223), Marine Air Group TWENTY-THREE (MAG-23), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area during World War II."

Legion of Merit - US Military

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 14 November 1944 through 16 June 1945."

Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 - 1955: Jane Blakeney