Reginald David Smith
Private First Class, U.S. Army

In October 1951, Private First Class Reginald David Smith was serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division, in Korea.

On 8 October, PFC Smith's unit was engaged with enemy forces at Onnamu-go, North Korea. When his platoon came under cross-fire from strongly fortified positions, PFC Smith moved forward, hurled grenades into an enemy emplacement, and killed a machine-gun crew, enabling his unit to move forward. Nearing a second bunker, the platoon was pinned down by intense enemy fire. PFC Smith crept up the fire-swept hill, lobbed two grenades and poured rifle fire into the position, killing all occupants. Although wounded by a mortar burst, he continued forward until hostile fire reached such intensity that his unit was ordered to move back. PFC Smith voluntarily remained in position, covering the movement. As he withdrew, he saw that his platoon leader was wounded and unable to move. He administered first aid and began the slow evacuation by crawling toward friendly lines. During this action, both men were mortally wounded by mortar fire. PFC Smith's inspirational actions and heroic self-sacrifice earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Reginald D. Smith (ASN: US-55024532), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Private First Class Smith distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Onnamu-go, Korea, on 8 October 1951. When his platoon came under withering cross-fire from strongly fortified positions, Private Smith moved boldly forward, hurled grenades into an enemy emplacement, and wiped out a machine-gun crew, thereby enabling his unit to move forward. While nearing a second bunker, the valiant group was pinned down by intense enemy fire. Private Smith crept up the fire-swept hill, lobbed two grenades with deadly accuracy, and poured rifle fire into the position, killing all occupants. Although painfully wounded by a mortar burst, he continued forward until hostile fire reached such intensity that his unit was ordered to move back. He voluntarily remained in position, covering the retrograde movement. As he withdrew, he observed his platoon leader wounded and unable to move. He promptly administered first aid and began the slow, tortuous evacuation, crawling toward friendly lines. During this action, both men were mortally wounded by mortar fire. Private Smith's inspirational actions, gallant self-sacrifice, and consummate devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on himself and the military service.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 106 (November 28, 1952)

Burial

Private First Class Reginald David Smith is buried at Big Prairie-Everett Cemetery in Big Prairie, Newaygo County, MI.

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