The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PV2 James Lee Smith, RA15280680, who died in the service of his country on September 1st, 1950 in South Korea, Nam River, Kuhe-Ri. The cause of death was listed as KIA. At the time of his death James was 19 years of age. He was from Gerogetown, Ohio. James' Military Occupation Specialty was 4745-Light Weapons Infantryman.

The decorations earned by PV2 James Lee Smith include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Korea Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

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James entered the service 19 January 1949.

Burial:
Confidence Cemetery
Georgetown
Brown County
Ohio, USA


His DSC citation:
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to James Lee Smith (RA15280680), Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Private Smith distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kuhe-ri, Korea, on 25 August 1950. On that date, Private Smith was a member of a force covering a patrol which crossed the Nam River. As the first boat of the patrol reached the opposite shore and the occupants debarked, they were subjected to intense hostile small-arms fire from three sides at a range of three hundred yards. Observing that the position of the patrol was untenable, the company commander ordered an immediate withdrawal. As the order was given, the patrol leader was killed, six members were wounded, and the assault boat was cast adrift. Private Smith, heedless of the deadly concentrations of hostile fire, plunged into the swift current and swam sixty yards through withering fire, retrieved the boat and brought it and the six wounded men to shore on the friendly side of the river. Private Smith's conspicuous heroism, selfless regard for the welfare of his comrades, and his outstanding devotion to duty in saving the lives of six wounded men exemplify the highest ideals of the American soldier.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 89 (October 1, 1950)
Home Town: Clermont, Ohio