SSgt Louis D. Smith
Chestua Baptist Cem., Monroe Co., Tn
Madisonville Democrat, May 23, 1945:
Staff Sgt. Louis D. Smith, son of Mrs. Maude M. Smith, of Route 2, who was killed in action while serving with the 4th Infantry Division, Seventh Army, has been awarded the Silver Star posthumously for gallantry in action.
Sgt. Smith was decorated for action in the vicinity of Carentan, France, July 9, 1944, four days before he was killed, when he eliminated an enemy machine gun, which was holding up his platoon. He received the following citation:
“While Sgt. Smith’s company was attacking along a highway, it was subjected to a heavy barrage of 88 mm, and machine gun fire, pinning the company down. Realizing the precarious position of his unit, Sgt. Smith, without regard for his personal safety, voluntarily left his position of cover. By creeping and crawling, he advanced on an enemy machine gun nest and succeeded in knocking it out, killing the five-man crew and thereby relieving enough pressure from his platoon to enable it to complete the assigned mission. Sgt. Smith’s outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed forces of the United States.”
Louis Smith was initially buried at Blosville Cemetery at Carentan, France and reburied at Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France, Plot C, Row 12, Grave 38.
- Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Date of birth: 4 January 1917
- Date of death: 13 July 1944
- County: Monroe
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: 22nd Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War II
- Battles: Normandy Campaign
- Awards: Silver Star, Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XVI, Top Panel
- Contact us to sponsor Louis D. Smith
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