Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a First Lieutenant, in Company B, 7th Iowa Infantry. At Black River, North Carolina, on March 15, 1865, his company attempted to construct a pontoon bridge over a portion of the flooded river that was held by Confederate troops. In the midst of the struggle with the rebel defenders, one of his soldiers was swept away in the current. First Lieutenant Smith, threw off his coat and sword and swam to the soldier's rescue, bringing him to shore to continue their mission. For valor in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Captain and awarded the Medal of Honor.
Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient. He served as a First Lieutenant, in Company B, 7th Iowa Infantry. At Black River, North Carolina, on March 15, 1865, his company attempted to construct a pontoon bridge over a portion of the flooded river that was held by Confederate troops. In the midst of the struggle with the rebel defenders, one of his soldiers was swept away in the current. First Lieutenant Smith, threw off his coat and sword and swam to the soldier's rescue, bringing him to shore to continue their mission. For valor in the face of the enemy, he was promoted Captain and awarded the Medal of Honor.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
MEDAL OF HONOR
CAPT CO. B 7 IOWA INF
CIVIL WAR
Family Members
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