George Oliver Smith

Private First Class, U. S. Marine Corps

Navy Cross

GENERAL ORDERS:
SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 0647 (SofN Signed January 26, 1948)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class George Oliver Smith (MCSN: 334946), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Rifleman of Company C, First Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943.
When the leader and several other members of his platoon had been killed or wounded and the need for more men in the front lines became acute, Private First Class Smith courageously made his way back to the beach through enemy sniper fire to obtain reinforcements and, finding groups of hesitant men along the seawall, imbued them with his own indomitable fighting spirit and gallantly led them in the face of heavy fire to the front, thereby enabling the Company Commander to continue the advance.
Completely disregarding his own personal safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense hostile fire in leading carrying details from the beach dump to provide urgently needed ammunition and supplies and in bringing reinforcement panels to the front lines. Painfully wounded in the face during one of these missions, he refused medical attention, insisting that others he considered more seriously wounded be treated first, and was finally evacuated against his will. Private First Class Smith's splendid initiative, inspiring conduct and fearless devotion to duty throughout a critical period were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.