Ernest served as - Spc 4 - E4 - Army - Drafted Selective Service
He was 21 years old at the time of his death.
Ernest was born April 20, 1946 in Valentine Neb.
His tour of duty in Vietnam began on Nov. 29, 1967.
Ernest served with C Company, 65th Engineer Battalion,
25th Infantry Division
Ernest died at 1:00 p.m. four days before his birthday, on April 16, 1968
in Binh Duong Province, Republic of South Vietnam. Ernest's Company Commander at the time of his death was Capt. Akes D. Szekely. Serving with him also, was Sp4. John R. Zwig.
His death was a result of wounds, from metal fragmentation, from an enemy booby trap that exploded when Ernest blew up an enemy bunker. His body was recovered.
Ernest's religion was Methodist. He was not married.
Ernest attended Central School in Vienna, N.J. and Hackettstown High School in Hackettstown, N.J.
Ernest is interred in the Pequest Cemetery, Hackettstown, N.J.
Ernest's name is listed on Panel 50E --- Line 22
of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
"Rest In Peace Ernest You Are Missed By All Who Knew You"
Ernest William Smith served his Country and Flag with Honor and Valor. His actions and his performance to duty to the highest Traditions of the United States Army Engineers and his Nation earned him the following awards:
Purple Heart for wounds received in an armed conflict.
National defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Good Conduct Medal
The Republic of Vietnam, Military Merit Medal
The Republic of Vietnam, Gallantry Cross with Palm
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