Navy Federal Credit Union

The youngest of the volunteers for the Andrews Raid, little was known about Private Smith despite his award of the Medal of Honor.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private

    Division:

    2d Ohio Infantry

    Action Date:

    April, 1862

    Date of Issue: July 6, 1864

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private James (Ovid) Smith, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on April, 1862, while serving with Company G, 21st Ohio Infantry, in action during the Andrew’s Raid in Georgia. Private Smith was one of the 19 of 22 men (including two civilians) who, by direction of General Mitchell (or Buell), penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory. Smith was captured near Huntsville, Alabama, and did not participate in the remainder of the raid.