U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
Charles Taylor Smith
Charles Taylor Smith served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Officer Charles Smith was shot and killed while frisking one of two suspects. He had just stopped a vehicle for speeding on U.S. Highway 99, near Orland, and decided to investigate further. Unbeknownst to Officer Smith, the two occupants were AWOL Marines who had been on a crime spree. As he frisked one of the men the second man shot him in the back. Although mortally wounded, Officer Smith was able to draw his weapon and fatally shoot both suspects. Officer Smith had served as a military policeman with the US Marine Corps before joining the California Highway Patrol. He had served with the California Highway Patrol for four years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Officer Smith gave the California Highway Patrol 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of California, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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