Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Sergeant

Unit:

Mortar platoon, Company H, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army

For action performed on 25 July 1943 near Pollina/Province of Palermo, Sicily region, Italy.

Citation unavailable.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technical Sergeant

Unit:

Company H, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army

Arnold W. Smith, 38017292, Technical Sergeant, Company H, 180th Infantry, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services in Sicily and Italy from 10 July 1943 to 15 January 1944. Distinguished himself by his skill as a mortar observer and by the invention of a night firing aid for mortars Technical Sergeant Smith repeatedly adjusted effective fire of his mortars from observation posts in advance of the infantry lines. On numerous occasions, in the absence of artillery observers, he simultaneously controlled mortars and directed artillery fire. In mountain areas he served long periods as an observer despite high winds and sub-freezing temperatures. On one occasion Sergeant Smith, though suffering from a painful hip wound, remained at his post until his observation mission was accomplished. The night firing aid which he perfected was adopted by all mortar sections of his regiment with a resultant improvement in accuracy of night firing. Sergeant Smith’s inventive ability, courage, and unceasing application to duty were of inestimable value to his organization. Entered service from Altus, Oklahoma.