Harlan County (LST 1196) - Naval Cruise Book

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Vernon C. Smith Commander, U.S. Navy COMMANDING OFFICER Commander Vernon C. Smith, a native of Midland, Michigan, was commissioned an Ensign on 2 August 1956 upon graduation from the Integration Program of the Officer Candidate School, Newport, R.I. He had previously served eight years as a U.S. Navy Electronics Technician. Commander Smith has served on the USS RANKIN (LKA 103) as Communications Officer and Navigator, and on the USSAULT (DD 698) as Engineering Officer. He has commanded the USS ROCKVILLE (EPCER 851) and USS AVENGE (MSO 423) and the USS WASHOE COUNTY (LST 1165). He has served ashore with the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations where he was Head, Joint and Allied Communications Procedures Unit; and at the U. S. Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif., where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineer- ing Science. While commanding the USS WASHOE COUNTY (LST 1165), from August 1968 to February 1970, Com- mander Smith was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V. Additionally, he was awarded two Gold Stars in lieu of his second and third Bronze Star Medals. During this time the USS WASHOE COUNTY (LST 1165) had the distinction of being awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation for various operations off the Cau Mau Peninsula, Republic of Vietnam while operating as a unit of Landing Ship Squadron Nine and Task Force 115. Prior to being detailed as Commanding Officer, USS HARLAN COUNTY (LST 1196), Commander Smith was assigned to the Defense Communications Agency, Washington, D.C. where he served as Plans Officer. He was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his performance during this tour.