Briefing Document: George Emmett Smith

Subject: Biographical Information and Military Service of George Emmett Smith

Date: October 26, 2023

Source: Excerpts from biographical text on George Emmett Smith

Overview: This document details the life and military service of George Emmett Smith, focusing on his early life in Texas and his service in the Korean War where he was killed in action.

Key Themes and Facts:

Early Life and Family:

George Emmett Smith was born on January 25, 1931, in De Leon, Comanche County, Texas.

His parents were Zora Jean 'Gene' Lawless (born 1905, died 2004) and Emmett Richard Smith (born 1904, died 1952).

He lived in De Leon, Texas his whole life.

The family was living in De Leon, JP5, Comanche County, Texas in both 1935 and 1940.

In the 1940 Census, at age 9, he was living with his parents and a sister.

Military Service:

Smith enlisted in the US Army while residing in De Leon, Comanche County, Texas.

He was trained as a Light Weapons Infantryman.

He was deployed to Japan in 1949 with the 7th Cavalry Regiment Infantry.

His military identification was: Private First Class George E. Smith 18222959 US Army Company A 1st Battalion 5th Cavalry Regiment 1st Cavalry Division.

The 1st Cavalry Division was rapidly deployed from Japan to Korea to reinforce the Pusan Perimeter early in the Korean War.

The 5th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 1st Cavalry Division, was involved in the first amphibious landing of the Korean War, which took place on July 18, 1950. "The first troops of the 5th Cavalry Regiment came ashore that afternoon."

General Gay assumed command ashore on July 19, 1950, and the 5th Cavalry started moving towards Taejon.

Death and Burial:

Private First Class Smith was killed in action on July 24, 1950, "in the vicinity of Yongdong, South Korea."

He was initially buried in a temporary grave in Korea.

In 1952, his remains were repatriated to the United States.

He was reinterred in the De Leon Cemetery in De Leon, Comanche County, Texas on Sunday, October 5, 1952.

Key Quotes:

"Private First Class George E. Smith 18222959 US Army Company A 1st Battalion 5th Cavalry Regiment 1st Cavalry Division."

"The first troops of the 5th Cavalry Regiment came ashore that afternoon."

"Pfc Smith was killed in action on 24 July 1950 in the vicinity of Yongdong, South Korea."

Conclusion:

The provided text outlines a brief but impactful life of George Emmett Smith. He was a lifelong resident of De Leon, Texas, who served in the US Army and was tragically killed early in the Korean War. His story highlights the experiences of many young soldiers who were quickly deployed into a major conflict shortly after World War II. His final resting place in De Leon reflects his strong connection to his hometown and family. This biography encapsulates the human cost of war.