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name
SMITH, Rexford - Date of
birth
23 February 1922 -
Age
22 -
Place of birth
Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan -
Hometown
Almont, Lapeer County, Michigan
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
36536703 -
Rank
Private First Class -
Function
unknown -
Unit
G Company,
2nd Battalion,
415th Infantry Regiment,
104th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Bronze Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
3 November 1944 - Place of
death
Zevenbergen, the Netherlands
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| F | 2 | 19 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Oliver G. Smith (father)
Edna (Albertson) Smith (mother)
Helton Smith (brother)
Glenn Smith (brother)
Eugene Smith (brother)
Guila Smith (sister)
Iris (Allison) Smith (wife)
More information
Pfc Rexford Smith graduated from Almont High School in 1939 and was a tool and die maker.He was married to Iris Allison on 27 October 1942.
On the night of 2 November 1944, Pvt Smith was a member of the combat patrol, whose mission was to set a road block during an important river crossing operation. Upon crossing the river, platoon leaders and two other men went forward on reconnaissance and were ambushed. Upon hearing the sounds of fire, Pvt Smith, at great risk to his own life and in the face of heavy enemy barrage, rushed forward and administered first aid to his wounded comrades. He was fatally wounded while attempting to evacuate the men to a safer place.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Peter Schouteten, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com Ironwood Daily Globe / Census / U.S., Headstone and Interment Records for U.S. Military Cemeteries on Foreign Soil, Bronze Star Citation, Marriage License, Susan Linton
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, Loann Tauriainen (niece)