Sgt. William "Jack" Smith
U. S. Army 4th Infantry Division
November 8, 1917-June 6, 1944
U. S. Army 4th Infantry Division
November 8, 1917-June 6, 1944
KIA on June 6, 1944 during the amphibious invasion on Utah Beach in Normandy, France. He served along side Theodore Roosevelt Jr. Sgt. Smith was listed as MIA from June 6 - June 10, 1944 until his body was recovered and his status was officially listed as Killed in Action at that time. His remains were interred in Normandy at St. Mere Eglise Military Cemetery Number 2. His family, wishing to bring Jack home, asked for his remains to be returned to Grand Rivers, Kentucky four years later. His body was accompanied by a young soldier who remained with the Smith family until Jack's remains were laid to rest in Dixon Cemetery.
Jack's mother, Anne Smith, received some criticism from local folks for her decision to have Jack's remains returned to Kentucky. It was said to her that she would never know whether or not it was her son who was actually returned. Mrs. Smith told the critical doubters that while she would never know for sure, all she could do was hope and pray that if her son's remains were laid to rest by the hands of others, they would treat him with the same love, dignity, and respect as she had treated this soldier.
William Jack Smith's military portrait hung on the wall of his mother's house until the day she died. It then hung on the wall in my grandmother's (Jack's sister) house until she passed. The same portrait hangs on the wall of my brother's house... and will...until the day he dies. We will never forget the sacrifice.
William "Jack" Smith's nephew was my father. He is buried in Dixon Cemetery beside my grandmother and across from Jack. He served in the US Army in a time of peace. My brother served in both the Air Force and Army. My nephew is currently serving in the Army and has served two tours in Iraq.
Jack's mother, Anne Smith, received some criticism from local folks for her decision to have Jack's remains returned to Kentucky. It was said to her that she would never know whether or not it was her son who was actually returned. Mrs. Smith told the critical doubters that while she would never know for sure, all she could do was hope and pray that if her son's remains were laid to rest by the hands of others, they would treat him with the same love, dignity, and respect as she had treated this soldier.
William Jack Smith's military portrait hung on the wall of his mother's house until the day she died. It then hung on the wall in my grandmother's (Jack's sister) house until she passed. The same portrait hangs on the wall of my brother's house... and will...until the day he dies. We will never forget the sacrifice.
William "Jack" Smith's nephew was my father. He is buried in Dixon Cemetery beside my grandmother and across from Jack. He served in the US Army in a time of peace. My brother served in both the Air Force and Army. My nephew is currently serving in the Army and has served two tours in Iraq.
God Bless America!!!
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4 comments:
amazing post. i love your words.
As tears fall from my eyes I honor him as I honor all those who gave their lives...
It is good that you never forget and are at peace..Amen
3 Magpies: Blessings to you and your family! My brother served in Vietnam and we were lucky he returned home safely.
What a beautiful sentiment by the young mans mother! Helps to remind us that while there are things beyond our control, we can always behave with love, integrity, and respect.
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