Private, United States Marine Corps, for distinguished conduct in the presence of the enemy at Peking, China, June 28 to August 17, 1900. (G.O. 55, July 19, 1901.)
Coxswain on board of the U.S.S. _Richmond_, Mobile Bay, August 5, 1864; commended for coolness and courage in the action in Mobile Bay on the morning and forenoon of August 5, 1864. He joined the _Brooklyn_ in January, 1861; was in the actions with Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and the rebel ironclads and gunboats below New Orleans, Chalmette batteries, batteries below Vicksburg, and present at the surrender of New Orleans. Joined the _Richmond_ October, 1863. (G.O. 45, December 31, 1864.)
First-class fireman; for rescuing from drowning John W. Powers, ordinary seaman on board the U.S.S. _Essex_, at Monrovia, Liberia, October 31, 1877. (G.O. 326, October 18, 1884.)
Seaman on board the U.S.S. _Florida_; for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the seizure of Vera Cruz, Mexico, April 21, 1914. (G.O. 101, June 15, 1914.)
Private, United States Marine Corps. "At about 7.30 a.m. on the morning of February 11, 1921, Private Smith while on duty as a sentry rescued Plen M. Phelps, late machinist's mate, second class, United States Navy, from a burning seaplane, which had fallen near his post, gate No. 1, marine barracks, naval air station, Pensacola, Fla. Despite the explosion of the gravity gasoline tank, with total disregard of personal safety, he pushed himself to a position where he could reach Phelps, who was pinned beneath the burning wreckage, and rescued him from the burning plane, in the performance of which he sustained painful burns about the head, neck, and both hands." (G.O. 72, September 29, 1921.)
Coxswain, was one of the crew of the first cutter of the U.S.S. _Rhode Island_, on the night of December 30, 1862, which was engaged in saving the lives of the officers and crew of the _Monitor_. They had saved a number, and it was owing to their gallantry and zeal and desire to save others that they became separated from the _Rhode Island_, and were adrift for some hours. Promoted to acting master's mate. (G.O. 59, June 22, 1865.)
Ordinary seaman on board the U.S.S. _Whitehead_ in the attack upon Franklin, N.C., October 3, 1862; swam ashore under the fire of the enemy with a line and thus rendered important service. Mentioned for gallantry.