Elmelindo Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elmelindo Rodrigues Smith
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| Born | July 27, 1935 Wahiawā, Hawaii |
| Died | February 16, 1967 (aged 31) Republic of Vietnam |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1953–1967 |
| Rank | Sergeant First Class (posthumous) |
| Unit | 1st Platoon, Company C, 2d Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Sergeant First Class Elmelindo Rodrigues Smith (born July 27, 1935 – died February 16, 1967) was a brave soldier in the United States Army. He was born in Wahiawā, Hawaii. Smith had Hispanic and Asian heritage, with Puerto Rican roots. He was given the Medal of Honor after he died, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military. He earned this award for his amazing courage during the Vietnam War. Even though he was badly hurt, Smith inspired his fellow soldiers to fight back against a strong enemy attack.
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Early Life and Family
Elmelindo Rodrigues Smith was born in Wahiawā, a town in the center of Oahu Island in Honolulu County. He went to school there. In 1953, he joined the United States Army. He served in different countries around the world, including Okinawa.
While he was in Okinawa, he met a woman named Jane who was also in the military. They soon got married. They made their home near a military base in Tacoma, Washington. Elmelindo and Jane had two daughters together.
Serving in the Vietnam War
On July 23, 1966, Sergeant Smith was sent to the Republic of Vietnam. He served as a Platoon Sergeant for the 1st Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry. This unit was part of the 4th Infantry Division. His division fought in the western Central Highlands, near the border between Cambodia and Vietnam. They faced tough battles against the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) in the mountains around an area called Kontum.
A Heroic Stand
On February 16, 1967, Sergeant Smith was leading his platoon on a scouting mission. Suddenly, they were attacked by NVA forces. The enemy used machine guns, mortars, and rockets. Even though Smith was wounded, he quickly organized a counterattack. He told his men where to go and made sure they had enough ammunition.
A rocket hit him, but he kept moving to direct his soldiers' fire at the approaching enemy. He kept fighting and leading his men, even with his severe injuries. Sergeant Smith died from his wounds, but his brave actions helped his platoon defeat the enemy.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
Because of his incredible bravery, Sergeant Smith was recommended for the Medal of Honor. His family received the medal from Secretary of the Army Stanley R. Resor. This ceremony took place at the White House. After the event, his widow Jane and their two daughters, Kathleen (age 10) and Pamela (age 6), were taken to meet President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Remembering Sergeant Smith
Sergeant First Class Elmelindo Rodrigues Smith was buried with full military honors. His resting place is at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. His name is also carved into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.. You can find his name on Panel 15E – Row 051.
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