- SURNAME
Smith
- FORENAME
Edward Leroy,Jr
- UNIT
1 Raider Bn (Company A)
- RANK
Private
- NUMBER
340428
- DATE OF DEATH
9th October 1942
- AGE
20
- GRAVESITE
National Memorial Cemetery, Honolulu, Hawaii Plot B Row O Grave 125
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from New York
born 11.08.1922
father Edward L. Smith (1892-1979)
mother Clara Louise (nee Fike) Smith (1896-1955)
Next of kin - Wife Mrs. Edward L. Smith, 725 North Jay Street, Rome, New York
1 son Edward L. Smith (1942-2015)
award Navy Cross
KIA Guadalcanal, BSI
memorial at Rome Cemetery, Rome, New York, USA
DATE OF DEATH:
09-Oct-1942AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/smith-edward-leroy.29797/CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private Edward L. Smith, Jr. (MCSN: 340428), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company A, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion in action against enemy Japanese forces near the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 8 - 9 October 8 - 9, 1942. When his battalion moved into a defensive position along the Matanikau River, Private Smith and other members of his platoon bore the brunt of the heavy enemy assault against their hastily prepared positions. Approximately 150 Japanese, stealing through the dense jungle growth under cover of smoke, fiercely attacked the small group of Marines with automatic weapons, hand grenades, and bayonets. Fighting desperately in hand-t-hand combat against the overwhelming hostile forces, Private Smith refused to be dislodged from his position and, after exacting a tremendous toll of the enemy, heroically died at his post. His indomitable fighting spirit and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Private Smith gallantly gave his life for his country.
WEB LINKS:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/119970404/edward-l-smithFINDAGRAVE:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/112482661/edward-leroy-smith
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