During the Japanese assault on advanced base on Midway, "Monssen" took part in the defense actions on June 4–7, 1942 and returned to Pearl Harbor for rest and refit, which took over a month. Smoot then sailed with "Monnsen" for the Japanese held Solomon Islands and provided cover during the Marine landings on Guadalcanal and Tulagi on August 7. The "Monssen" remained in the immediate area through the Battle of the Eastern Solomons, which prevented Japanese reinforcements from reaching Guadalcanal. For his service in the Solomons, Smoot was decorated with Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V". He was promoted to Commander on June 30, 1942.