World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action near Lanuvio, Italy. He served as a Private in the United States Army in Company L, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 31, 1944. His citation reads in part, "The group to which Pvt. Smith belonged was far in the lead when attacked by a force of 80 Germans. The squad leader and one other man were seriously wounded and other members of the group withdrew to the company position, but Pvt. Smith refused to leave his wounded comrades. He placed them in the shelter of shell craters and then alone faced a strong enemy counterattack, temporarily checking it by his accurate rifle fire at close range, killing and wounding many of the foe. Against overwhelming odds, he stood his ground until he was shot down and killed, rifle in hand."
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action near Lanuvio, Italy. He served as a Private in the United States Army in Company L, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on May 31, 1944. His citation reads in part, "The group to which Pvt. Smith belonged was far in the lead when attacked by a force of 80 Germans. The squad leader and one other man were seriously wounded and other members of the group withdrew to the company position, but Pvt. Smith refused to leave his wounded comrades. He placed them in the shelter of shell craters and then alone faced a strong enemy counterattack, temporarily checking it by his accurate rifle fire at close range, killing and wounding many of the foe. Against overwhelming odds, he stood his ground until he was shot down and killed, rifle in hand."
Bio by: Don Morfe
Inscription
MEDAL OF HONOR
SOUTH CAROLINA
PFC 135 INF 34 INF DIV
WORLD WAR II MH
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