Background
Smith was born on March 29, 1873 in Rockford, Illinois.
Smith was born on March 29, 1873 in Rockford, Illinois.
He joined the Army from Bartlett, North Dakota in April 1898. He served in Europe during the war as a lieutenant colonel with the 308th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division. On September 29, 1918, near Binarville, France, Smith showed conspicuous leadership until being mortally wounded.
Shouting to the other members of his party to take cover this officer, in disregard of his danger, drew his pistol and opened fire on the German guncrew.