United States of America
Headstone of Furman L. Smith
U.S. Army · United States United States

Furman L. Smith

Private
1925 – 1944
Medal of Honor - Army

Private Furman L. Smith served the U.S. Army. Furman was 19 years old.

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Medal of Honor Recipient Furman L. Smith
Medal of Honor Recipient Furman L. Smith
Service Record
U.S. Army
Private
Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
31 May 1944 · Near Lanuvio, Italy · Private, U.S. Army, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division.

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.

6, 24 January 1945.
Awards & Decorations 1

For valor

Medal of Honor - Army May 31, 1944 · Near Lanuvio, Italy · Private, U.S. Army, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division. 6, 24 January 1945.
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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Record added September 17, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated September 20, 2026

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Furman L. Smith
Private
U.S. Army
Medal of Honor - Army

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