35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SP4 Jimmy Joe Smith    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



HHC
2nd Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment
Vietnam War

"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"
National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal


The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 Jimmy Joe Smith, who died in the service of his country on April 4th, 1967 in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Helicopter Accident. At the time of his death Jimmy was 20 years of age. He was from Cane Hill, Arkansas. Jimmy is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 17E, Line 100.

The decorations earned by SP4 Jimmy Joe Smith include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

(From Dave Butters' Personal Journal)

4 Apr 67: Recon made CA into LZ Bill, vic BR 727687. While guiding in a HU-ID, Lt Harry Davis was struck in the head by the main rotor blades. Sp4 Smith rushed to his aid and was also struck in the head. Smith died en route to Qui Nhon; Lt Davis died that night. The chopper was secured for the night pending investigation.

(His BSM Citation)

The Bronze Star Medal is Presented to Jimmy Joe Smith

For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Four Smith distinguished himself while serving as a Team Leader in the Reconnaissance Platoon of the 2/35th Infantry. Specialist Four Smith's fire team participated in long range reconnaissance patrols reporting the location and disposition of enemy forces. His vast knowledge of infantry weapons and his ability to navigate over extremely dense jungles under hazardous conditions insured the success of each mission he was assigned. His industriousness, diligence, and pride in his work enabled all members of his team to provide only the highest level of accomplishments. His sincere respect for authority and for his fellow man gained him the admiration of his superiors and subordinates alike. While attempting to aid a fellow comrade, Specialist Four Smith was fatally injured in a helicopter accident on 4 April 1967. His ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country, coupled with his praiseworthy record of outstanding accomplishments, parallel the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.