SMITH, FURMAN L. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry
Division. Place and date: Near Lanuvio, Italy, 31 May 1944.
Entered service at:
Central, S.C. Birth: Six Miles, S.C. G.O. No.: 6, 24 January 1945.
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.
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