July 30, 2004
Medals Of Honor
Genesis Joins Congressman Nussle and the US Army In Honoring a Member of the Greatest Generation
Davenport, IA - Stories of the men and women who experienced the greatest event in the history of the world – World War II, continue to amaze generation after generation. It is their strength and commitment to this nation that has earned them the title of the Greatest Generation. Today, Genesis Medical Center, Davenport joined Congressman Jim Nussle and the United States Army in a special World War II (WW II) medal presentation, in the West Central Park Conference Center.
The recipient, 82-year old Harold Smith - enjoys life to its fullest, saying the only regret he has is that he never received his Bronze Star. Smith shared his story with Lori Ludgate, a Genesis social worker who met and worked with him during a recent stay at the Genesis Rehabilitation Center. "He stated he felt he was cheated," recalls Ludgate. "He had talked to the Veterans Association on several occasions but was unable to get his medals. I knew I couldn't help Mr. Smith save his leg but I thought I could help him somehow obtain his Bronze Star and the other WWII medals he had earned." Smith was a patient at Genesis, when complications from diabetes resulted in the partial loss his leg.
Never settling, Ludgate obtained a copy of Smith's discharge papers and worked with Congressmen Jim Nussle's Davenport office to make this happen. Today, they presented Mr. Smith with the following medals: Bronze Star, American Defense Service Medal, the European-African-Middle-Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal.
His History
Harold Smith was born and raised in Geneva, New York, the son of Floyd and Catherine Smith. He is the middle of three boys, Lowell the oldest and Richard the youngest.
During his final year in high school, Harold lied about his age to become a member of the National Guard. He says he was following in Lowell's footsteps when he decided to join and he also knew this would allow him to attend the free dances held at the National Guard Armory. Much to his dismay, the dances where cancelled shortly after he enlisted and his life was forever changed.
After he was inducted into the Federal Service, or Army, he was sent to Fort McLennan, Alabama and then to Fort Ord and Camp Beale, both in California, for training.
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he was ordered to the Hawaiian Islands where he volunteered for the Island-to-Island Combat Team and the Mountain Troops Team. Both assignments fell through and he was sent back to the states and then to England.
Tour of Duty
In England, Harold volunteered for the Rangers and successfully completed his training. When D-Day occurred he was sent to France for active duty. While there he was taken captive and was a Prisoner of War (POW) for 2-3 days, until US forces recaptured the territory near the Rhine River. "I knew I would die when my captors found my Ranger patch, which I had hidden in my pocket," said Smith. "I told them the patch was just a souvenir for my brother at home – and that saved my life."
Smith was awarded a Purple Heart in September of 1942 after he was wounded in the jaw and shoulder during combat. That same year he returned to active duty in the Brittany Peninsula on the coast of France. There his unit came up behind the German military and combat was underway. Harold proudly states that he was able to shoot and kill many of the German soldiers firing on them. For this brave effort he was awarded the Bronze Star – the medal that he is most proud of.
WWII has many bittersweet memories for this veteran. He is quick to explain that his brother Lowell, who served in the Army just a few miles away, is the real hero of the family. Lowell was killed in action.
After the War
After returning home in 1944, he worked at Oscar Meyer for 5 years and later owned and operated The Commodore Tavern in Davenport and Blundell Hearing Aide Center. Before his retirement in April of 2003, he worked as a security guard for Per Mar Security.
Harold and his first wife Genrose O'Boyle, who died of a heart attack at the age of 50, are the parents of three sons; Clayton Smith of Urbandale, Iowa, Brian Smith of Jacksonville, North Carolina and Eric Smith of Columbus, Missouri. In 1971 Harold remarried and he and his wife Peggy have a daughter, Lisa Lauro of Nashville, Tennessee. Harold currently resides at the Fejervary Nursing Home.
"The sacrifice Mr. Smith, his family and all the members of our military, both veterans and those currently serving is greatly appreciated by the entire Genesis family," added Andrea Y. Coleman, chief executive officer, Genesis Medical Center, Davenport. "While the 'front lines' here at Genesis are very different, it is still life and death and it is caring and compassionate people like Lori Ludgate who are making a difference and making Genesis the health care leader in the bi-state region."
