Furman L. Smith

Private First Class, U.S. Army

Medal of Honor Recipient

World War II

Private First Class Furman L. Smith (11 May 1925 - 31 May 1944) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions in World War II.

Furman L. Smith was born on 11 May 1925 in Six Miles, SC. He joined the Army from Central, SC. On 31 May 1944, he was serving as a Private in the 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. During a battle that day near Lanuvio, Italy, his group came under intense German attack and began to withdraw. Smith voluntarily stayed behind with the wounded and protected them until he was overrun and killed. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Lanuvio, Italy, 31 May 1944.

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.

Death and Burial

Private First Class Furman L. Smith was killed in action on 31 May 1944. He is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Central, SC.