Smith, Leonard L.

Battle of Midway

Date of birth:: April 27th, 1917 (Hamilton/Montana, United States)
Date of death:: June 4th, 1942 (Midway Island, Pacific Ocean)
Mentioned on:: United States Memorial for the Missing Honolulu
Plot: 2.
Service number:: 0-098528
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Ensign
Unit:: Torpedo Squadron 3 (VT-3), U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-5), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: December 1942
Awarded for:: Operation MI

"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron THREE (VT-3), attached to the U.S.S. YORKTOWN (CV-5), during the "Air Battle of Midway," against enemy Japanese forces on 4 June 1942. Participating in a Torpedo Plane assault against Japanese naval units, Ensign Smith, in the face of tremendous anti-aircraft fire and overwhelming fighter opposition, pressed home his attack to a point where it became relatively certain that, in order to accomplish his mission, he would probably sacrifice his life. Undeterred by the grave possibilities of such a hazardous offensive, he carried on, with extreme disregard for his own personal safety, until his squadron scored direct hits on two enemy aircraft carriers. His self sacrificing gallantry and fortitude were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 309 (December 1942).