Korean War
Service # | 15423203 |
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Rank | Private First Class U.S. Army |
Date of Death | September 1 1950 |
Combat Infantryman Badge
Korean Service Medal
Medal of Honor (Army)
National Defense Service Medal
Purple Heart
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
For his leadership and great valor, Private First Class Smith was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
Notes
Private First Class Smith was a gunner in the mortar section of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. On September 1, 1950 near Yongsan, South Korea, his section was ordered to withdraw as it was being encircled by the enemy. When an enemy hand grenade fell into their midst, he fell upon it to protect the lives of his comrades.