hold in Greenland during the ensuing war years. 



He remained in command of the Greenland Patrol until November 1943, 

 during World War II, during which he advanced to Captain then to Rear 

 Admiral. He then served as Commander, Task Force 24, U. S. Atlantic Fleet 

 until the end of the war. Rear Admiral Smith was the first Coast Guards- 

 man awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for World War II service, for 

 which he was cited as follows: 



"For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of the 

 United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commander of 

 the Greenland Patrol and later as Commander of a Task Force in 

 the Atlantic Fleet from December 1941 to November 1944. During 

 the critical years of 1942 and 1943, Rear Admiral Smith planned, 

 built, organized and efficiently administered the naval bases 

 and stations in Greenland and in the Arctic for the support of 

 the Army in those areas and the Naval control of the North At- 

 lantic. Under extremely difficult conditions, the forces of 

 his command successfully operated patrol and escorts, maintained 

 a system of weather stations and provided full logistic and 

 tactical support for the Army. As Commander of a Task Force 

 in these strategic waters, he skillfully directed vital weather, 

 patrol and escort services which were of inestimable assistance 

 in connection with the ferrying of aircraft and the operation of 

 transport planes to and from the European theaters of war and 

 effectively protected valuable convoys. In all his negotiations 

 and contacts. Rear Admiral Smith distinguished himself by his 

 splendid diplomacy, sound judgment and intelligent planning and 

 consistently maintained excellent relations with other United 

 States forces and those of the Allied Nations. His superior 

 tactical knowledge and steadfast devotion to duty throughout 

 these important years were in keeping with the highest tradi- 

 tions of the United States Naval Service." 



/s/ JAMES FORRESTAL 



His other service campaign medals and ribbons included the American Defense 



Service with Sea Clasp, European- African-Middle Eastern Area, World War II 



Victory. He also received the Cross of the Commander of the Order of 



Danneberg First Class from the King of Denmark for services in Greenland. 



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