George Smith

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Philadelphia, PA

Branch of Service: U.S. Army

Rank: Private

Private George Smith, US Army, was stationed in England with the 137th Infantry Regiment of the 35th Division as part of Operation Overlord. George survived the D-Day landing and fought in the Battle of Normandy in the bocages of northern France. After weeks of intense hand-to-hand combat in the hedgerows, George was killed when his convoy was hit with German artillery fire.

Self sacrifice and sense of humor.

Smith’s great nephew, Andrew Rydzewski said: “I would like to thank George Smith for his patriotic service to the world to bring peace and defeat a dictatorship founded on hatred of others. America can be proud of my great uncle and all of the heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.”

Age: 24

Date of Death: July 14, 1944