Medal of Honor: Furman L. Smith - World War II - May 31, 1944

Name: Furman L. Smith
Rank: Private
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division
Date of Action: May 31, 1944
Location: Near Lanuvio, Italy

Summary of Action

On 31 May 1944, Private Furman L. Smith displayed extraordinary heroism during combat operations near Lanuvio, Italy.

American infantrymen were attacking a heavily defended German strongpoint when intense enemy fire brought the advance to a halt.

Smith’s group had pushed well ahead of the rest of the company when it was suddenly struck by a fierce counterattack from approximately eighty German soldiers.

During the initial fighting, the squad leader and another soldier were seriously wounded.

Faced with overwhelming enemy numbers and mounting casualties, the remaining members of the group withdrew toward the company’s main position.

Smith refused to leave.

Instead, he remained with his wounded comrades and dragged them into nearby shell craters where they would have some protection from enemy fire.

Knowing that capture or death was almost certain, he positioned himself between the advancing Germans and the helpless wounded men.

Alone, he opened fire with his rifle at close range.

His accurate marksmanship temporarily halted the enemy advance, killing and wounding numerous German soldiers and forcing them to slow their attack.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, Smith continued firing and refused to yield ground.

He remained at his post, protecting his wounded comrades and holding off the enemy as long as possible.

Only when he was shot down and killed did his rifle finally fall silent.

His courageous stand against overwhelming odds embodied the highest traditions of the American infantryman and remains a lasting example of devotion to comrades and duty.

Medal of Honor Citation

SMITH, FURMAN L.

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.