World War II Highlight of: The "Blood and Fire" Route

World War II Highlight of: The "Blood and Fire" Route

63rd Infantry Division Route

World War II, 1939-1945

Veterans--Florida

A battle map of major battles fought by the 63rd Infantry Division, nicknamed "Blood and Fire," during World War II. One notable member of this regiment 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 map.

ca. 1944-1945

Epinal American Cemetery Collection, RICHES of Central Florida.

image/jpg

1 map

eng

Still Image

Rhineland, Germany

Donation

History Teacher

Civics/Government Teacher

This resource is provided here by RICHES of Central Florida for educational purposes only.

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.