Career
Born in 1838 in England, Smith joined the United States. Navy from the state of New New York By March 5, 1865, he was serving as a seaman on the United States Ship Magnolia. On that day and the next, he accompanied a Union Army force during the Battle of Natural Bridge near Saint Marks, Florida.
He helped transport and fire a naval howitzer throughout the engagement despite heavy Confederate fire.
He was one of six sailors to receive the medal for manning artillery pieces during the battle, the others being Landsman John South. Lann, Seaman John Mack, Seaman George Pyne, Ordinary Seaman Charles Read, and Coxswain George Schutt. He was buried at the Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, Washington County, Tennessee.
As seaman on board the United States.S. Magnolia, Saint Marks, Florida, 5 and 6 March 1865. Serving with the Army in charge of Navy howitzers during the attack on Saint Marks and throughout this fierce engagement, Smith made remarkable efforts in assisting transport of the gun, and his coolness and determination in courageously standing by his gun while under the fire of the enemy were a cr to the service to which he belonged.