b. 1848 Greenfield, New York. d. 13/09/1874 Buffalo Wallow, Texas.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 12/09/1874 Washita River, Texas.
Indian Wars Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a Private in Company M, 6th US Cavalry. On September 12, 1874, the third day of a siege in which a force of more than 100 Indians surrounded and attacked the Lyman Supply Train at the at Washita River, Texas, General Nelson Miles sent a detachment of six troopers to deliver a dispatch to Camp Supply for re-enforcements. While en-route the six men were attacked by 125 Indians and Private Smith was one of four men immediately wounded. Throughout the day the troopers continued a valiant resistance with the hostiles attacking from all directions. Private Smith continued to fight despite being mortally wounded until night fell. He died early the next day at which time the survivors were recovered by a relief force. For gallantry in the face of the enemy, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
MOH CITATION:
While carrying dispatches was attacked by 125 hostile Indians, whom he and his comrades fought throughout the day. Pvt. Smith was mortally wounded during the engagement and died early the next day. Buffalo Wallow Battlegrounds remains not recovered.
BURIAL LOCATION: BODY NOT RECOVERED.
IN MEMORY OF MARKER AT SAN ANTONIO NATIONAL CEMETERY, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.
SECTION MA, GRAVE 87.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
