SGT PATRICK EDWARD SMITH Jr

 

01 Jun 2002 In loving memory and honor of my brother, Patrick Edward Smith Jr. who was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantry Badge, and numerous other awards. Pat earned the Silver and Bronze Stars for his deeds in the few minutes before his attempted helicopter evacuation. He was a squad leader in the 7th Cavalry of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). During an operation in Quan An Loc Province, Pat and his men ran into heavy fire. He and several others were seriously wounded. None of us were surprised to hear that Pat, despite his wounds and being amidst intense hostile fire, stopped to drag the other wounded men to safety. Only after they were safe and out of the line of fire did he permit himself to be evacuated by a helicopter that moments later took enemy fire, then crashed and burned. Pat's deeds that day were so in character for him - he was always such a loving and caring person. Our love and pride for him is beyond description. We hope and pray that the men he dragged to safety that day came home and are leading full productive happy lives today. Our family would love to hear from anyone who knew Pat, especially any of the men he saved that awful day, November 26, 1968. Pat - who we called our "Smiling Irishman", loved to race his 1964 Chevy Supersport at Norwalk and Lorain County Speedway. He was very successful with over 50 class wins and won several trophies as well. He was an iron worker like our Dad and was also attending Lorain Community College before he was called to service. We are a military family - my parents met in England during WWII - My Dad was in the canine unit and was also an MP. My Mom was an English WAF. My oldest brother Senior Master Sergeant Anthony Smith retired from the Air Force shortly after the Gulf War. From his sister, Dawn Dixon (nee Smith) sunrise1017@adelphia.net A SLOW DANCE under soft lights is enjoyed by Diana Stanziano and Patrick Smith. Pat (grinning, far right) and his buddies relax.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 26 November 1968 the 15th Med Battalion was tasked with a medevac mission in support of A Company, 5/7 Cavalry. The Huey landed, loaded the wounded aboard, and took off - only to be hit by .51 caliber machinegun fire. The aircraft crashed, killing all eleven men aboard: Aircrewmen, 15th Medical Bn: CWO James D. Doran, Ridgefield Park, NJ, pilot, HQ & Svc Co 1LT Stephen C. Beals, Dallas, TX, copilot, HQ & Svc Co SP5 Johnny G. Gregg, Houston, TX, medic, HQ & Svc Co SP4 John S. Alling, Auburn, NY, crew chief, HQ & Svc Co CPL Robert E. Jones, Harrison, MI, medic, B Co A Co, 5th Bn, 7th Cavalry (wounded): SGT William M. Ebel, West Olive, MI SGT Curtis H. Rainer, Fort Worth, TX SGT Patrick E. Smith, Avon, OH (Silver Star) SP4 Pietro Piconi, Hannastown, PA PFC Roger D. Algire, Mount Vernon, OH PFC Bobby J. Perkins, New York, NY DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY HEADQUARTERS 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION (AIRMOBILE) APO San Francisco 96490 14 December 1968 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 14978 AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. SMITH PATRICK E. JR. US51832197 SERGEANT (then SP4) Company A, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Awarded: Silver Star Date Action: 26 November 1968 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Smith distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 26 November 1968, while serving as a squad leader with Company A, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry during a search and clear mission in Quan An Loc Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit came into heavy contact with a well fortified enemy force, Specialist Smith and several other men were seriously wounded. Disregarding his wounds, Specialist Smith exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he dragged the other men to safety. Only after he was sure that all his wounded comrades were retrieved did Specialist Smith allow himself to be medically evacuated. The medical evacuation helicopter was shot down shortly after take off, however, and Specialist Smith was fatally injured. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. FOR THE COMMANDER: ROBERT N. MACKINNON Colonel, GS Chief of Staff OFFICIAL: LESTER J. EVANS LTC, AGC Adjutant General

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