World War II Honoree

Andy E. Smith

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Iola, Illinois

Honored By

Robert Medley Gatewood

ENTERED ACTIVE SERVICE AS A DRAFTEE ON DECEMBER 22, 1942 AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. TRAINED AS A LIGHT MORTAR CREWMAN (607) AND DEPARTED THE CONTINENTAL U.S. ON JULY 7, 1943 BOUND FOR THE ASIATIC-PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. ORIGINALLY ASSIGNED TO COMPANY H, 123RD INFANTRY REGIMENT, 33RD INFANTRY (GOLDEN CROSS) DIVISION AND FOUGHT THROUGH THE NEW GUINEA, BISMARCK ARCHIPELAGO, SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES AND LUZON CAMPAIGNS. VOLUNTEERED FOR DETACHED SERVICE WITH THE ALAMO SCOUTS OF 6TH ARMY ON JULY 31, 1944 AT CAPE KASSOE, HOLLANDIA, DUTCH NEW GUINEA. ATTAINED THE ARMY SPECIALTY OF HEAVY MACHINE GUNNER WITH THE 'NELLIST TEAM' AND PARTICIPATED IN NUMEROUS MISSIONS BEHIND ENEMY LINES INCLUDING THE 'GREAT RAID' PRISON BREAK NEAR CABANATUAN, LUZON, WHICH RESCUED OVER 500 ALLIED PRISONERS OF WAR. EARNED A SILVER STAR MEDAL, THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL WITH OAK LEAF CLUSTER, A PURPLE HEART MEDAL, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, DISTINGUISHED UNIT BADGE, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 4 BRONZE BATTLE STARS, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION MEDAL WITH 2 BRONZE BATTLE STARS AND THE WWII VICTORY MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS A SERGEANT ON SEPTEMBER 13, 1945 AT JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MISSOURI.