The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*SMITH, FURMAN L.
Rank and Organization: Private, U.S. Army, 135th
Infantry, 34th Infantry Division. Place and Date Near Lanuvio, Italy, 31 May 1944. Entered
Service at: Central, S.C. Birth: Six Miles, S.C. G.O. No.: 6, 24 January
1945.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty. In its attack on a strong point, an infantry company was held up by intense
enemy fire. The group to which Pvt. Smith belonged was far in the lead when attacked by a
force of 80 Germans. The squad leader and 1 other man were seriously wounded and other
members of the group withdrew to the company position, but Pvt. Smith refused to leave his
wounded comrades. He placed them in the shelter of shell craters and then alone faced a
strong enemy counterattack, temporarily checking it by his accurate rifle fire at close
range, killing and wounding many of the foe. Against overwhelming odds, he stood his
ground until shot down and killed, rifle in hand.
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