Sergeant Smith was a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on 9 July 1953.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal

Navy Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant David E. Smith (MCSN: 1154434), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Squad Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 9 July 1953. With the forward outpost he was commanding subjected to an attack by an overwhelming force of enemy troops who surged into the trench lines under cover of a devastating mortar and artillery barrage, Sergeant Smith immediately organized the defense and maintained constant contact by radio with the company command post. When the situation became hopeless, he dauntlessly called in machine-gun fire on his own position, thereby making it extremely difficult for the attackers to approach, and accounting for a large toll of enemy dead. Together with the remaining men of his squad, he proceeded to fight his way through the trench line and off the outpost in order to return to the main line of resistance. Hearing the cry of a wounded comrade who was inadvertently left behind, Sergeant Smith ordered his men to continue on to friendly lines and returned alone to the outpost to aid the stricken Marines. Although the position was overrun with hostile troops, he fearlessly moved into the trench line and engaged the enemy in bitter hand-to-hand combat until he fell, mortally wounded. When another counterattack was organized, the men of his unit, aroused by his courageous act, succeeded in routing the hostile force, killing every enemy defender and secured the vital outpost position. By his indomitable fighting spirit, courageous leadership and self-sacrificing efforts in behalf of a comrade, Sergeant Smith served as an inspiration to all who observed him. His great personal valor reflects the highest credit upon himself and sustains the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 368 (June 5, 1954) Action Date: 9-Jul-53