Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Samuel
Wayne
Smithers
Jr.
1927-08-27

–

2006-01-02

Born:

, 

Georgia

Home:

Columbus

, 

Georgia

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

Samuel Smithers graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1950. He retired in 1977 as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    15th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    November 28, 1950
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 16 (January 24, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Second Lieutenant] Samuel Wayne Smithers, Jr. (ASN: 0-62579), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 28 November 1950, near Majon-ni, Korea, Lieutenant Smithers prepared and led his platoon against the enemy which were well dug-in on a ridge. Although under constant intense enemy rifle and machine gun fire, he repeatedly exposed himself while checking and encouraging his men before the assault, and when the time came, with no regard for his personal safety, he led his platoon in a bayonet charge. By his fearless leadership the enemy was routed and the objective seized. The heroism under fire displayed by Lieutenant Smithers exemplifies the highest qualities of leadership and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1968 – 1970
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Samuel Wayne Smithers, Jr., United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Smithers and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1975 – 1977
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) Samuel Wayne Smithers, Jr., United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, Military District of Washington, from 1975 to 1977. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Smithers culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.