Memorial

More information

Harold Smith's story:
Harold D. Smith was born 14 May 1916 in Stillwater, Oklahoma and was inducted into the army at Fort Bliss, Texas on 2 February 1941. He participated in the Louisiana maneuvers held from 9 August 1941 to 3 October 1941. After the Louisiana maneuvers Harold attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he received his commission in January 1942. On 4 July 1942 he was married to the former Elizabeth Mooney in Phenix City, Alabama. Lieutenant Harold Smith landed in North Africa on 8 November 1942 during Operation Torch and served under General Patton in North Africa and Sicily. At that time he was assigned to the 1st Armored Division at Maknassy (was connected to the battle for Kasserine Pass) which was slightly north east of El Guettar, and south east of Kasserine Pass in Tunisia. He moved directly into action with "B" Company, 13th A.R. in an observer capacity. His post was on the southern section of the battle of Kasserine Pass in March 1943. Lieutenant Smith also served as Liaison Officer to the 2nd Battalion of the 18th Infantry at Beja. Lieutenant Smith went through the Sicilian Campaign.
Harold arrived at Tidworth Barracks in England as a member of the 2nd Armored Division in December 1943. Lieutenant Harold Smith participated in the Normandy landing and then the breakthrough at St. Lo on 27 July 1944.
He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action while serving in France, and was awarded three medals by the French Government, including the Croix de Guerre. In action near St. Sever Calvados in August 1944, Captain Smith was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism in action. Captain Smith served under General Edward H. Brooks, General Ernest N. Harmon and General Issac D. White.
On 13 September 1944 while lined up on the Albert Canal and the Maas (Meuse) River in Hasselt, Belgium Captain Smith as Company Commander, led a reconnaissance patrol toward the bank of the Albert Canal, where he observed an artillery mission on enemy across the Canal. Howard was hit by a sniper round near his heart and died almost instantly.
These days Harold Smith's final resting place can be visited in Belgium, at the American Military cemetery of Henri-Chapelle. Harold's grave is situated at the far end of the cemetery, in Plot G, Row 13, Grave 28... only 2 rows away from the final resting place of Captain Howard J. Wall another brilliant military leader who was loved and valued highly by his men.
On September 13, 1944, while lined up on the Albert Canal and the Maas (Meuse) River in Hasselt, Belgium, Capt Smith, as Company Commander, led a reconnaissance patrol toward the bank of the Albert Canal, where he observed an artillery mission on enemy across the Canal. Harold Smith was hit by a sniper round near his heart and died almost instantly.