Colonel John Lucian Smith

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Major John Lucian Smith, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving 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 August and September 1942. Repeatedly risking his life in aggressive and daring attacks, Major 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 Major 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. Action Date: August - September, 1942

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Major

Company: Marine Fighting Squadron 223 (VMF-223)

Regiment: Marine Air Group 23 (MAG-23)

Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing