My walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Marine CPL Larry E. Smedley, Age 18 of Orlando, FL.
KIA Dec. 21, 1967 Vietnam
He is honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall on panel 32E, Line 40.
He is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.
CPL Larry served with D Company, 1st Batalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.
He was posthumoous recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions on the battle field.
Corporal Smedley
immediately took sound and courageous action to stop the
enemy threat. After he radioed for a reaction force, he
skillfully manoeuvered his men to a more advantageous
position and led an attack on the numerically superior
enemy force. A heavy volume of fire from an enemy
machine-gun positioned on the left flank of his squad
inflicted several casualties on Corporal Smedley’s unit.
Simultaneously, an enemy grenade exploded nearby,
wounding him in the right foot and knocking him to the
ground. Corporal Smedley disregarded this serious
injury, valiantly struggled to his feet and shouted words
of encouragement to his men. He fearlessly led a charge
against the enemy machine-gun emplacement, firing his
rifle and throwing grenades, until he was again struck by
the enemy fire and knocked to the ground. Gravely
wounded and weak from loss of blood, he rose and
commenced a one-man assault against the enemy position.
Although his aggressive and single-handed attack resulted
in the destruction of the machine-gun, he was struck in the
chest by enemy fire and fell mortally wounded. Corporal
Smedley’s inspiring and courageous actions, bold initiative,
and selfless devotion to duty in the face of certain death
were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United
States Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.
His medals and decorations include: the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
We had a great 5.29 mile walk today. Actually I jogged about 2 miles of it. We stopped by the memorials down town at the War Memorial Park. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this hero.
Marine CPL Larry E. Smedley will not be forgotten !
