Award of Combat Infantryman Badge

Award of Combat Infantryman Badge

Combat Infantryman Badge

World War II, 1939-1945

Veterans--Florida

A document announcing the award of Combat Infantryman Badges to three former members of the 255th Infantry Regiment of the 63rd Infantry Division. One notable solider who received this badge was Captain William H. Smith (1920-1945). Smith was born on November 28, 1920, as the youngest of three children to John Seward Smith and Eva Wilds Smith. The Smiths lived at 419 Smith Street in Jacksonville, Florida. Three days before his 20th birthday, Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve during World War II. He became a member of the combat infantry of the 63rd Infantry Division's 255th Infantry Regiment. Capt. Smith was Killed in Action (KIA) on January 3, 1945, in the Ardennes region, repelling German forces during Operation Nordwind, the last German offensive of the war. After his death, Capt. Smith was awarded the Combat Infantrymen Badge, effective January 2, 1945, as well as a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his sacrifice. He is buried at Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Dinozé, France.

Digital reproduction of original typewritten document by Harry J. Walters, 1944.

ca. 1944-10-17

Epinal American Cemetery Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.

image/jpg

1 typewritten document

eng

Text

Jacksonville, Florida

Donation

History Teacher

Civics/Government Teacher

Originally created by Harry J. Walters.

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Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial Project

Callahan, Ryan

Cepero, Laura

RICHES MI

"GRid=56375612" target="_blank">Capt William H Smith." Find A Grave. http://findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&

GRid=56375612.