Medal of Honor, John Lucian Smith – World War II – August–September 1942
A lone Marine fighter squadron, outnumbered and outgunned, held the skies above Guadalcanal when everything hung in the balance. At its head was a quiet Oklahoman who became an American ace legend.
August 22, 2025
John Lucian Smith – World War II – August–September 1942
Rank and Organization: Major, U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Marine Fighter Squadron 223
Conflict: World War II
Location: Solomon Islands (Guadalcanal)
Born: December 26, 1914, Lexington, Oklahoma
Entered Service At: Oklahoma
Other Awards: Legion of Merit
Summary of Action
When the first American foothold was carved out at Guadalcanal in August 1942, air superiority was the razor’s edge upon which the survival of the entire invasion force balanced. Major John Lucian Smith, commanding Marine Fighter Squadron 223, led his undertrained and under-equipped squadron into the teeth of the Japanese onslaught.
From August 21 through September 15, Smith personally destroyed 16 Japanese aircraft, flying into overwhelming odds again and again, often at the head of formations where his boldness steadied the nerves of fresh, inexperienced pilots. Through his leadership, VMF-223 accounted for 83 enemy aircraft destroyed, blunting repeated Japanese efforts to annihilate the vulnerable Marines and Seabees ashore.
Smith’s tactics, courage, and refusal to yield airspace gave the Americans a fighting chance. His squadron’s sacrifices helped secure Henderson Field, ensuring Guadalcanal remained in U.S. hands—the turning point in the Pacific War.
Medal of Honor Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and heroic achievement in aerial combat above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 223 during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area, August-September 1942. Repeatedly risking his life in aggressive and daring attacks, Maj. 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 Maj. 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.
