Briefing Document: Loyd Earl Smith

Subject: Biographical and Military Service Summary of Loyd Earl Smith

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: Excerpts from "Pasted Text" (provided)

Executive Summary:

This document details the life and military service of Loyd Earl Smith, born in 1919 in Coleman County, Texas. It tracks his early life through census records, highlighting his family and location. The document then outlines his military service in World War II, focusing on his deployment, combat action, and ultimately, his death. Smith served in the US Army Infantry, earning a Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery. He was killed in action in Italy during the Salerno landing.

Key Details:

Early Life and Family:

Born: September 6, 1919, in Coleman, Coleman County, Texas.

Parents: Violet Audrey Graham (b. 1900) and Simon Windon Smith (b. 1894). At the time of his birth, his mother was 19, and his father was 25.

Family Life: Census records indicate Loyd grew up in Coleman County, Texas. The 1930 census shows a family with four sisters and a brother as well as Loyd. The 1940 census records indicates he was living with his mother, five sisters, and two brothers, which confirms the presence of a second brother.

1940 Occupation: Prior to his military service, he worked as a truck driver for the WPA.

Education: He had a grammar school education.

Military Service:

Enlistment: Activated from the National Guard into the US Army Infantry as a private on November 25, 1940 at Coleman, Texas.

Army Serial Number: 20804600

Training: Trained with the 142nd Infantry at Camp Bowie, Brownwood, Texas; Camp Blanding, Florida; and Camp Edwards, Massachusetts.

Deployment: Shipped out to North Africa on April 1, 1943.

Combat Action: Landed at Paestum, Italy on September 9, 1943, as part of B Company, 142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division during the Salerno landing.

Wounded in Action: "Pvt Smith was wounded in a gallant action to save his platoon on 9 September 1943 in the vicinity of Salerno".

Death: Died on September 13, 1943, due to the wounds suffered on the 9th.

Post-Mortem & Repatriation:

Initial Burial: Buried in a temporary grave.

Repatriation: In 1948, his remains were repatriated to America.

Final Burial: Reinterred in the Coleman City Cemetery, Coleman, Coleman County, Texas on October 22, 1948.

Awards:

Silver Star for "gallant action".

Purple Heart.

Key Themes and Insights:

Impact of War: Loyd Earl Smith's life was dramatically impacted by World War II. His story provides a personal glimpse into the experiences of a young American soldier.

Valor in Combat: The document specifically notes Smith's "gallant action to save his platoon," highlighting his bravery and sacrifice in the face of intense enemy fire. This suggests he acted in a way that distinguished him from his fellow soldiers on the field of battle.

Personal Sacrifice: Smith's death during the war exemplifies the personal sacrifices made by individuals and families during this global conflict.

Impact of family in his life His familial life was clearly marked by multiple siblings, which may have had a deep impact on his life. His death at an early age would greatly impact his family as well.

Conclusion:

This document provides a clear and concise overview of Loyd Earl Smith's life, from his Texas upbringing to his heroic death in Italy during World War II. His story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war and the personal cost of global conflict. His Silver Star and Purple Heart acknowledge his bravery in battle.