Furman L. Smith-Central, SC
Posted by: Don.Morfe
N 34° 45.780 W 082° 49.956
17S E 332281 N 3848290
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Lanuvio, Italy on May 31, 1944. He was killed in action. He is buried in Pleasant Hills Baptist Church Cemetery, Central, SC.
Waymark Code: WMX8CM
Location: South Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 12/12/2017
Views: 1
He was born on May 11, 1925 in Six Mile, SC and died on May 31, 1944 in Italy. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *SMITH, FURMAN L.
• Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division
• Place and date: Near Lanuvio, Italy, 31 May 1944
• Entered service at: Central, S.C.
• G.O. No.: 6, 24 January 1945
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. In its attack on a strong point, 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 1 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.
Armed Service: Army
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