Edward 'Smitty' Ernest Smith is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Smith who lived 7 miles west of Holton. Smitty had three brothers who also served, two in the Navy and the other in the Army. Sergeant Edward E. Smith, Company E, 378th Infantry, by direction of the President was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy on 31st October in the vicinity of Marienelles, France. His platoon, the first platoon of Co. E, 378th Infantry, was sent into the Grand Bois as a combat patrol. A well-dug in enemy position estimated at the platoon level with three machine guns for support, was contacted. At this point he displayed great and courageous initiative by rushing forward and pointing out booby traps to enable members of his squadron to proceed safely. Reaching the edge of a clearing, within 15 yards of the hostile position, he dashed into the clearing and emptied his rifle point-blank into the nearest enemy foxhole. He then ran behind a large tree, reloaded and repeated this action on a second enemy foxhole. He returned and for the third time rushed an enemy position, throwing grenades into the foxholes. All this action was done under heavy enemy small arms and machine gun fire and returning from his third gallant raid, he was seriously wounded in the left arm by enemy rifle fire. He then jumped into a fox hole for cover setting off a booby trap which wounded him the second time. But even after this second wound, it was only at his squad leader's order that he went to the rear. His heroically aggressive action on this occasion was an inspiration to his comrades and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Infantry. In addition to the Silver Star, Smitty also received a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Medal, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European Campaign Medal, Northern France/Rhineland Campaign Ribbon, and the EAME Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars.