David Eugene Smith

Enlisted in Kansas City, MO, on 23 April 1940; promoted to Private First Class and assigned as an officer candidate to the Western Platoon Leaders’ Class (1940). Trained at MCB San Diego during summers of 1940 and 1941, and attached to Platoon Leaders’ Unit, Ninth Reserve District. Received commission as Second Lieutenant on 9 April 1942; assigned active duty that date, and transferred to the Basic School at Navy Yard Philadelphia, PA. Returned to inactive duty until 9 October 1942, at which time transferred to Marine Corps Base Quantico for instruction with the 13th Reserve Officers’ Class.

Joined Headquarters Company, First Separate Battalion (Reinforced) at New River, NC on 2 January 1943. Served as company commander and Bn-2 (intelligence officer) until 25 August 1943, at which time transferred to Able Company to command 3 Platoon.

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: First Lieutenant
MOS: 1542 (Platoon leader)

Campaign Narrative

Outfit: A/1/24th Marines
Rank: First Lieutenant
MOS: 1542 (Platoon leader)
Important Events: 
June 16, 1944 – wounded in action (shell fragment right thigh; fractured pelvis) while leading an assault against a fortified objective. Evacuated to unknown vessel for treatment.

Awarded the Bronze Star Medal for actions on June 16:

For heroic achievement in action against the enemy on Saipan, Marianas Group, from 15 June to 16 June 1944, as a platoon leader in a Marine assault battalion. While advancing towards our objective on 16 June, First Lt. Smith led his platoon through heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire. Although there were many casualties, First Lt. Smith continued to lead his men forward and reached the objective, where he was wounded. Through his leadership, many of the defenders were annihilated. His cool conduct under fire and his great courage throughout distinguished him, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Campaign Narrative

Evacuated from Saipan via unknown transport; apparently taken to Majuro, Kwajalein atoll, for treatment and further disposition.

Departed Majuro on 30 June 1944 via USS Thetis Bay; arrived at Pearl Harbor and admitted to US Naval Hospital #10 (Aiea Heights) on 5 July 1944. Transferred to US Naval Base Hospital #8 (Pearl Harbor), then to US Naval Hospital Oakland, CA, on 12 September 1944.

Sick in USNH Oakland through 7 June 1945, at which time appointed assistant to Officer in Charge Drills and Instruction, MCB San Diego. Taught tactics to non-commissioned officers through 9 October 1945; readmitted to USNH Oakland for additional surgery. Returned to duty on 21 November 1945.

Placed on inactive status on 1 February 1946.