b. 10/11/1926 Livingston, Kentucky. d. 01/09/1950 Yongsan, Korea.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 01/09/1950 Yongsan, Korea.
David M Smith MOH
Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action. He served as a Private First Class, Mortar Gunner, in the United States Army in Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on September 1, 1950 near Yongsan, Korea. His mother was presented with his Medal of Honor on August 14, 1952 at The Pentagon from General Omar N. Bradley. For his leadership and great valor, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
MOH CITATION:
Pfc. Smith distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action. Pfc. Smith was a gunner in the mortar section of Company E, emplaced in rugged mountainous terrain and under attack by a numerically superior hostile force. Bitter fighting ensued and the enemy overran forward elements, infiltrated the perimeter, and rendered friendly positions untenable. The mortar section was ordered to withdraw, but the enemy had encircled and closed in on the position. Observing a grenade lobbed at his emplacement, Pfc. Smith shouted a warning to his comrades and, fully aware of the odds against him, flung himself upon it and smothered the explosion with his body. Although mortally wounded in this display of valor, his intrepid act saved five men from death or serious injury. Pfc. Smith’s inspirational conduct and supreme sacrifice reflect lasting glory on himself and are in keeping with the noble traditions of the infantry of the U.S. Army.
BURIAL LOCATION: JACK PONDER CEMETERY, LIVINGSTON, KENTUCKY.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
