Navy Federal Credit Union

Edwin Smith graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1935. He was killed in action while serving as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel during World War II.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    28th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    8th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 13, 1944

    Headquarters, 8th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 38 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Edwin Major Smith (ASN: 0-19887), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division, in action on 13 December 1944 in the vicinity of Vossenack, Germany. While achieving its objective, Lieutenant Colonel Smith’s battalion had suffered heavy casualties and was, of necessity, spread thin to hold its ground against enemy counter-attack. When the enemy broke through the line and a group of twenty attempted to overrun the battalion’s position, Lieutenant Colonel Smith, hastily organizing a squad from his Forward CP personnel, personally led them against the enemy force. Although killed in the ensuing action, the courage, leadership and resourcefulness displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Smith enabled his men to kill or capture all of the enemy forces. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Smith, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.