THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Medal of Honor citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Psgt Elmilindo Smith, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman and your Medal of Honor. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Winter will end soon, and it is Lent. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Elmelindo Rodriques Smith
Date of birth: July 27, 1935
Date of death: February 16, 1967
Burial location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Place of Birth: Hawaii, Honolulu
Home of record: Honolulu Hawaii
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Elmelindo Rodriques Smith (ASN: 10106850), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Republic of Vietnam, on 16 February 1967. During a reconnaissance patrol, Sergeant First Class Smith's platoon was suddenly engaged by intense machinegun fire hemming in the platoon on three sides. A defensive perimeter was hastily established, but the enemy added mortar and rocket fire to the deadly fusillade and assaulted the position from several directions. With complete disregard for his safety, Platoon Sergeant Smith moved through the deadly fire along the defensive line, positioning soldiers, distributing ammunition and encouraging his men to repeal the enemy attack. Struck to the ground by enemy fire which caused a severe shoulder wound, he regained his feet, killed the enemy soldier and continued to move about the perimeter. He was again wounded in the shoulder and stomach but continued moving on his knees to assist in the defense. Noting the enemy massing at a weakened point on the perimeter, he crawled into the open and poured deadly fire into the enemy ranks. As he crawled on, he was struck by a rocket. Moments later, he regained consciousness, and drawing on his fast dwindling strength, continued to crawl from man to man. When he could move no farther, he chose to remain in the open where he could alert the perimeter to the approaching enemy. Platoon Sergeant Smith perished, never relenting in his determined effort against the enemy. The valorous acts and heroic leadership of this outstanding soldier inspired those remaining members of his platoon to beat back the enemy assaults. Platoon Sergeant Smith's gallant actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and they reflect great credit upon him and the Armed Forces of his country.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 63 (October 22, 1968)

Action Date: 16-Feb-67

Service: Army

Rank: Sergeant First Class

Company: Company C

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 8th Infantry Regiment

Division: 4th Infantry Division

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Elmelindo.

I trained at Ft. Lewis with Sgt. Smith. I went to Vietnam with him.I fought along side of him. Feb. 16 was a very sad day for me. I went on to be wounded. Feb.21.I think of him often.R.I.P. my Vietnam brother. I will never forget.Sam Key 904-263-8256