Larry E. Smedley
Encyclopedia
Corporal Larry Eugene Smedley (March 4, 1949–December 21, 1967) was a United States Marine
who posthumously received the United States
' highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor
— for his actions in December 1967 in Quang Nam Province
, Republic of Vietnam
.
; Augusta, Georgia
; Union Park, Florida
; and Howard Junior High School in Union Park, leaving the latter in 1964.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps
on March 18, 1966, at Orlando, Florida
, then reported to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
, South Carolina, and underwent recruit training
with the 1st Recruit Training Battalion. In July 1966, he completed individual combat training with the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, 1st Infantry Training Regiment, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
, North Carolina.
Upon completion of recruit training, Pvt Smedley served as a rifleman
and fire team leader with Companies D and C, respectively, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines
, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune
. He was promoted to private first class
on September 1, 1966 and to Lance Corporal on January 1, 1967.
In July 1967, LCpl Smedley arrived in the Republic of Vietnam. He was assigned duty as a rifleman and squad radio man with Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines
, 1st Marine Division, and was promoted to Corporal on September 1, 1967. While on patrol in Quang Nam Province on December 21, 1967 he was mortally wounded in the action for which he earned the Medal of Honor.
Larry Smedley was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery
, Arlington, Virginia. His grave can be found in section 31, lot 6486.
in the name of The Congress
takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
CORPORAL LARRY E. SMEDLEY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
/S/ RICHARD M. NIXON
The Wall: Larry Eugene Smedley has his name inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
("The Wall") on Panel 32E Line 040.
Marine Corps League: The Marine Corps League
Detachment #64 is named in honor of Cpl Larry E. Smedley.
Corporal Larry E. Smedley Combined Maintenance Facility: In 2003, with the dedication of a new tri-service Armed Forces Reserve Center facility for the Army Reserve
, Navy Reserve
and Marine Corps Reserve
in Orlando, Florida, the Combined Maintenance Facility for the complex supporting Army Reserve and Marine Reserve vehicles was named in Corporal Smedley's honor.
Corporal Larry E. Smedley Medal of Honor Highway: By act of the Florida Legislature, a section of Interstate Highway 4 (I-4) between the city of Orlando
in Orange County, Florida
and the city of Altamonte Springs in Seminole County, Florida
was renamed in Corporal Smedley's honor in 2005.
Corporal Larry E Smedley's Memorial Plaque: Corporal Smedley's full Presidential Citation is etched into a special plaque in front of the Orange County, Florida courthouse. It is part of a monument in memory of those Orange County Florida residents, Corporal Smedley among them, who gave their lives for their country in World War I, World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, and the Iraq War.
Corporal Larry E Smedley Memorial Bridge: Located on Route 340 between Page and Warren County, Virginia.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
who posthumously received the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
' highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
— for his actions in December 1967 in Quang Nam Province
Quang Nam Province
Quảng Nam is a province on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is bordered by Thua Thien-Huế province to the north, the nation of Laos to the west, Kon Tum Province to the southwest, Quảng Ngãi Province to the southeast, the South China Sea to the east, and the city of Da Nang to the...
, Republic of Vietnam
South Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
.
Biography
Larry Eugene Smedley was born on March 4, 1949 in Front Royal, Virginia. He attended elementary schools in Berryville, VirginiaBerryville, Virginia
Berryville is an incorporated town in and the county seat of Clarke County, Virginia, United States. The population was 2,963 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
; Augusta, Georgia
Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is a consolidated city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located along the Savannah River. As of the 2010 census, the Augusta–Richmond County population was 195,844 not counting the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County...
; Union Park, Florida
Union Park, Florida
Union Park is a census-designated place in Orange County, Florida, United States. The population was 10,191 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area. The ZIP code Serving Union Park: 32817 and 32825...
; and Howard Junior High School in Union Park, leaving the latter in 1964.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
on March 18, 1966, at Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
, then reported to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina, approximately south of Beaufort, the community that is typically associated with the installation. MCRD Parris Island is used for the training of enlisted Marines...
, South Carolina, and underwent recruit training
Recruit training
Recruit training, more commonly known as Basic Training and colloquially called Boot Camp, is the initial indoctrination and instruction given to new military personnel, enlisted and officer...
with the 1st Recruit Training Battalion. In July 1966, he completed individual combat training with the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, 1st Infantry Training Regiment, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States military training facility in North Carolina. The base's of beaches make it a major area for amphibious assault training, and its location between two deep-water ports allows for fast deployments.The main base is supplemented by five satellite...
, North Carolina.
Upon completion of recruit training, Pvt Smedley served as a rifleman
Rifleman
Although ultimately originating with the 16th century handgunners and the 17th century musketeers and streltsy, the term rifleman originated from the 18th century. It would later become the term for the archetypal common soldier.-History:...
and fire team leader with Companies D and C, respectively, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines
1st Battalion 8th Marines
1st Battalion, 8th Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina...
, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States military training facility in North Carolina. The base's of beaches make it a major area for amphibious assault training, and its location between two deep-water ports allows for fast deployments.The main base is supplemented by five satellite...
. He was promoted to private first class
Private First Class
Private First Class is a military rank held by junior enlisted persons.- Singapore :The rank of Private First Class in the Singapore Armed Forces lies between the ranks of Private and Lance-Corporal . It is usually held by conscript soldiers midway through their national service term...
on September 1, 1966 and to Lance Corporal on January 1, 1967.
In July 1967, LCpl Smedley arrived in the Republic of Vietnam. He was assigned duty as a rifleman and squad radio man with Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines
1st Battalion 7th Marines
The 1st Battalion, 7th Marines is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. They are based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and consist of approximately 1000 Marines. Famous Marines who have served in 1/7 include Chesty Puller and John Basilone...
, 1st Marine Division, and was promoted to Corporal on September 1, 1967. While on patrol in Quang Nam Province on December 21, 1967 he was mortally wounded in the action for which he earned the Medal of Honor.
Larry Smedley was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia, is a military cemetery in the United States of America, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, formerly the estate of the family of Confederate general Robert E. Lee's wife Mary Anna Lee, a great...
, Arlington, Virginia. His grave can be found in section 31, lot 6486.
Awards and decorations
Cpl Smedley's awards include:Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her... |
Purple Heart The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York... |
Presidential Unit Citation |
| National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... |
Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... with one bronze star |
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is... |
Medal of Honor citation
The President of the United StatesPresident of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
in the name of The Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
CORPORAL LARRY E. SMEDLEY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company D, First Battalion1st Battalion 7th MarinesThe 1st Battalion, 7th Marines is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. They are based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and consist of approximately 1000 Marines. Famous Marines who have served in 1/7 include Chesty Puller and John Basilone...
, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evenings of 20–21 December 1967, Corporal Smedley led his six-man squad to an ambush site at the mouth of Happy Valley, near Phouc Ninh (2) in Quang Nam Province. Later that night, an estimated 100 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army Regulars, carrying 122 mm rocket launchersShoulder-launched missile weaponA shoulder-fired missile, shoulder-launched missile or man-portable missile is a projectile fired at a target, small enough to be carried by a single person, and fired while held on one's shoulder...
and mortarsMortar (weapon)A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber....
, were observed moving toward Hill 41. Realizing this was a significant enemy move to launch an attack on the vital Danang complex, Corporal Smedley immediately took sound and courageous action to stop the enemy threat. After he radioed for a reaction force, he skillfully maneuvered his men to a more advantageous position and led an attack on the numerically superior enemy force. A heavy volume of fire from an enemy machine gunMachine gunA machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
positioned on the left flank of the squad inflicted several casualties on Corporal Smedley's unit. Simultaneously, an enemy rifle grenade exploded nearby, wounding him in the right foot and knocking him to the ground. Corporal Smedley disregarded this serious injury and valiantly struggled to his feet, shouting words of encouragement to his men. He fearlessly led a charge against the enemy machine gun emplacement, firing his rifle and throwing grenadesHand grenadeA hand grenade is any small bomb that can be thrown by hand. Hand grenades are classified into three categories, explosive grenades, chemical and gas grenades. Explosive grenades are the most commonly used in modern warfare, and are designed to detonate after impact or after a set amount of time...
until he was again struck by enemy fire and knocked to the ground. Gravely wounded and weak from loss of blood, he rose and commenced a one-man assault against the enemy position. Although his aggressive and singlehanded attack resulted in the destruction of the machine gun, he was struck in the chest by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded. Corporal Smedley's inspiring and courageous actions, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval ServiceUnited States Department of the NavyThe Department of the Navy of the United States of America was established by an Act of Congress on 30 April 1798, to provide a government organizational structure to the United States Navy and, from 1834 onwards, for the United States Marine Corps, and when directed by the President, of the...
. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
/S/ RICHARD M. NIXON
Richard Nixon
Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. The only president to resign the office, Nixon had previously served as a US representative and senator from California and as the 36th Vice President of the United States from 1953 to 1961 under...
In Memory
The Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum: In 2010 the National Vietnam War Museum with honor added Corporal Smedley's name to museum. Located in East Orlando address 3400 North Tanner Rd Orlando, Florida 32826 Larry E. Smedley National Vietnam War Museum LinkThe Wall: Larry Eugene Smedley has his name inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a national memorial in Washington, D.C. It honors U.S. service members of the U.S. armed forces who fought in the Vietnam War, service members who died in service in Vietnam/South East Asia, and those service members who were unaccounted for during the War.Its...
("The Wall") on Panel 32E Line 040.
Marine Corps League: The Marine Corps League
Marine Corps League
The Marine Corps League is the only Congressionally chartered United States Marine Corps-related veterans organization in the United States. Its Congressional Charter was approved by the 75th U.S. Congress and signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 4, 1937. The organization credits...
Detachment #64 is named in honor of Cpl Larry E. Smedley.
Corporal Larry E. Smedley Combined Maintenance Facility: In 2003, with the dedication of a new tri-service Armed Forces Reserve Center facility for the Army Reserve
United States Army Reserve
The United States Army Reserve is the federal reserve force of the United States Army. Together, the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard constitute the reserve components of the United States Army....
, Navy Reserve
United States Navy Reserve
The United States Navy Reserve, until 2005 known as the United States Naval Reserve, is the Reserve Component of the United States Navy...
and Marine Corps Reserve
United States Marine Corps Reserve
The Marine Forces Reserve is the reserve force of the United States Marine Corps. It is the largest command in the U.S...
in Orlando, Florida, the Combined Maintenance Facility for the complex supporting Army Reserve and Marine Reserve vehicles was named in Corporal Smedley's honor.
Corporal Larry E. Smedley Medal of Honor Highway: By act of the Florida Legislature, a section of Interstate Highway 4 (I-4) between the city of Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
in Orange County, Florida
Orange County, Florida
Orange County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida and is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area . As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 1,145,956....
and the city of Altamonte Springs in Seminole County, Florida
Seminole County, Florida
Seminole County is a county in the U.S. state of Florida. Located between Orlando to the south and Deland and Daytona Beach to the north, it is part of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. Its county seat and largest city is Sanford...
was renamed in Corporal Smedley's honor in 2005.
Corporal Larry E Smedley's Memorial Plaque: Corporal Smedley's full Presidential Citation is etched into a special plaque in front of the Orange County, Florida courthouse. It is part of a monument in memory of those Orange County Florida residents, Corporal Smedley among them, who gave their lives for their country in World War I, World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, and the Iraq War.
Corporal Larry E Smedley Memorial Bridge: Located on Route 340 between Page and Warren County, Virginia.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Vietnam War