Thursday, July 14, 2016

Illinois World War I Medal of Honor Recipient Fred E. Smith

1873-September 29, 1918.  Lt.Col., U.S. Army, 108th Infantry, 77th Division.  From Rockford, Illinois.

Communication with the forward regimental command was cut off.  He led twelve others to reestablish it and carry ammunition.  His guide became lost and they came under fire of German machine guns just 50 yards away.

Lt.Col. Smith told the others to take cover, drew his pistol and engaged the Germans.  He was wounded, but continued to fire until his group was out of danger.

"Refusing first aid treatment he then made his way in plain view of the enemy to a hand grenade dump and returned under continued heavy machine gun fire for the purpose of making another attack on the enemy emplacements.

"As he was attempting to ascertain the exact location of the nearest nest, he again fell, mortally wounded."

He is buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial at Lorraine, France.

No comments: