TerrySmith

Terrance served as a - Staff Sergeant - Grade E6 - Army - Drafted Selective Service

He was 20 years old at the time of his death

Terry was born on June 19, 1947 in Phillipsburg, NJ.

His Tour of duty began in Vietnam on April 23, 1967

Terry served with (B) Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Divison

Terry died at 8:30 AM on March 24, 1968 outside the Town of Trang Bang, in Tay Ninh Province.

His death was a result of Hostile small arms fire. Terry was struck in the head while fighting for the lives of his men and comrads. Please read his

Silver Star commendation below.

His body was recovered.

Terry is interred in St. Phillip and St. James Cemetery Phillipsburg, NJ.

Terry's religion was Roman Catholic. He was not married

Terry attended Phillipsburg High School in 1962

Terry's name is listed on Panel 46E --- Line 12

of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C.

"Rest In Peace Terry You Are Missed By All Who Knew You"

Honors

Terrance Edward Smith, a Drafted Selective Service Soldier with a 2 year service obligation, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. It is virtually unheard of for a Soldier to attain this rank and command a Platoon of men with less than 2 years of service. Sergeant Terrance Smith accomplished this with 2 consecutive battlefield promotions. A Soldiers Soldiers, Sergeant Smith was awarded:

The Silver Star Medal ( 3rd highest award that can be awarded to a soldier ) for

Gallantry in Action

2 Bronze Star Medals ( one with Oak Leaf Cluster ) for meritorious service

against hostile forces

2 Purple Hearts for wounds received on two separate occasions

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Ribbon

Good Conduct Medal

The Republic of Vietnam, Military Merit Medal

The Republic of Vietnam, Gallantry Cross with Palm

The Combat Infantryman Badge

Sergeant Terrance Smith's Award Of The Silver Star (Posthumously) Reads:

For Gallantry in Action, Staff Sergeant Smith distinguished himself by heroic actions on March 24, 1968, while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 14 Infantry on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. When his unit was pinned down by intense enemy fire, Sergeant Smith reacted instantly to the situation and led his platoon to protective cover. He repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire to direct his men's fire and when a group of his men were trapped by the enemy fire he maneuvered to their position. After maneuvering these men to within 25 meters of the friendly positions, Sergeant Smith was mortally wounded by the intense enemy fire. His valorous actions saved several lives and were of immeasurable value to the successful completion of the mission. Sergeant Smith's personal bravery, aggressiveness, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, the 25th Division, and the United States Army. Authority, by the direction of The President of The United States, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved July 9, 1918.