b. 09/11/1844 Fredericksburg, Virginia. d. 28/01/1868 Columbus, Ohio.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 04/1862 Georgia.
James Smith MOH
He was born Ovid Wellford Smith. At the age of 16, he enlisted in the 2nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry as James Smith. He volunteered for the 1862 “Andrews Raid” mission to destroy Confederate supply lines. Enroute Smith became ill and was detained near Huntsville, Alabama, prior to the April 12 capture of “The General” locomotive at Big Shanty, Georgia. He escaped and made his way back to rejoin his Army unit. On July 6, 1864, Smith and 5 other raiders were awarded the Medal of Honor. He mustered out October 1864 at the rank of corporal, after participating in the Battles of Chickamauga, Chattanooga, and Missionary Ridge.
Sadly, Smith suffered from ill health after his discharge from the Army. He died aged just 23 in Columbus, Ohio.
MOH CITATION:
One of the 24 men (including two civilians) who, by direction of Gen. Ormsby M. Mitchell, penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory. Smith was captured near Huntsville, Ala., and did not participate in the remainder of the raid.
BURIAL LOCATION: GREEN LAWN CEMETERY, COLUMBUS, OHIO.
SECTION C, LOT 84.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
