b. 11/05/1925 Six Mile, South Carolina. d. 31/05/1944 near Lanuvio, Italy.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 31/05/1944 near Lanuvio, Italy.
Furman L Smith MOH
Smith joined the Army from Central, South Carolina in July 1943, and by May 31, 1944, was serving as a private in the 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. During a battle on that day, near Lanuvio, Italy, his group came under intense German attack and began to withdraw. Smith voluntarily stayed behind with the wounded and protected them until he was overrun and killed. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor eight months later, on January 24, 1945.
MOH CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. In its attack on a strongpoint, an infantry company was held up by intense enemy fire. The group to which Pvt. Smith belonged was far in the lead when attacked by a force of 80 Germans. The squad leader and one other man were seriously wounded and other members of the group withdrew to the company position, but Pvt. Smith refused to leave his wounded comrades. He placed them in the shelter of shell craters and then alone faced a strong enemy counterattack, temporarily checking it by his accurate rifle fire at close range, killing and wounding many of the foe. Against overwhelming odds, he stood his ground until shot down and killed, rifle in hand.
BURIAL LOCATION: PLEASANT HILL CHURCH CEMETERY, CENTRAL, SOUTH CAROLINA.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
