Rockcastle County American Legion Post #71 has recently changed its name to “David M. Smith, Post #71. Post Commander Rick Bobo stated the process to rename the Post started with an idea and a motion by Past Post Commander Tommy Hodges. Mr Hodges told his fellow Legion members that David Smith was one of ours and he did something that took more courage than we could possibly imagine, he gave his life for his country! American Legion by-laws require that to name a Post after a person that person must not be living and a descendant of that person must give their written permission. Legion members contacted a Smith family member and received the necessary documentation. A proclamation was then drafted and forwarded to the Kentucky Department of the American Legion who after approving the request forwarded it to the National American Legion Headquarters for approval. That approval was received on July 10th, and was in the form of a new charter bearing David M. Smith’s name.
David M. Smith a Rockcastle County resident and Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the “Medal of Honor” in 1952 for making the ultimate sacrifice so that 5 other soldiers could live. The” Medal of Honor” is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that a military member can receive. Just under 3500 “Medals of Honor” have been awarded since it was conceived in 1861. David M. Smith gave his life defending fellow Americans and is a true hero. We are honored to forever link his name to our Post and feel it is our duty as military veterans to keep his memory alive said Commander Bobo. The citation associated with David’s “Medal of Honor” reads:
Pfc. Smith, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action. Pfc. Smith was a gunner in the mortar section of Company E, emplaced in rugged mountainous terrain and under attack by a numerically superior hostile force. Bitter fighting ensued and the enemy overran forward elements, infiltrated the perimeter, and rendered friendly positions untenable. The mortar section was ordered to withdraw, but the enemy had encircled and closed in on the position. Observing a grenade lobbed at his emplacement, Pfc. Smith shouted a warning to his comrades and, fully aware of the odds against him, flung himself upon it and smothered the explosion with his body. Although mortally wounded in this display of valor, his intrepid act saved 5 men from death or serious injury. Pfc. Smith's inspirational conduct and supreme sacrifice reflect lasting glory on himself and are in keeping with the noble traditions of the infantry of the U.S. Army.
