Pictures from the collection of Harold G. Smith

Here are some items from the collection of Harold G. Smith.  He entered WWII as a Lieutenant with the Buffalo Soldiers of the 92nd Infantry.  He eventually retired as a Major.  Included in the collection below: pictures of Harold Smith (notice the old school selfie using a mirror!), a note from his mother, a letter home to his wife, some of his medals and patches, a map of Italy, some of his work for Military Intelligence, and a letter from President Truman thanking him for his service.

By the way, in case you were wondering, yes, he does have all the letters he wrote home and YES, he opens with “Darling”!

(Photo Credits: Max Gordon)

 

Smith - Pictures Smith - Newspaper Clipping Smith - Letter from MomSmith - Letter to Wife Smith - Unit Insignias and Medals Smith - Unit Insignias and Medals-2 Smith-Map of Italy Smith - Secret Smith - MI Report Smith - Letter from Truman Smith - Foot Locker Smith - 100th Birthday

 

 

15 thoughts on “Pictures from the collection of Harold G. Smith

  1. What a womnderful website I have come acrossed! My Dad was a 1st Lt, 473rd Inf Rgt, 5th Army and served in Italy with the 92nd Inf Rgt. Dad told me once that the 92nd soldiers were the BEST he had ever seen. He was very proud of the 92nd!

  2. MY DAD SERVE IN THE 92ND HE TOLME ABOUT THE ARNO RIVER
    FLOWING WITH BLOOD. THEY WERE GLORIOUS SOLDIERS FOR THE
    SUPPORT OF THEIR COUNTRY. I ONLY WICHED S MOVIE COULD BE
    MADE AND RECOGNIZED THE 92ND BUFFALO DIVION

  3. My dad was a member of the 92nd that served in Italy. Sadly he passed away in 1995. He shared many stories of the 92nd to his kids. All the men who served in the 92nd are my heroes. May God bless.

    • My dad served in the 92nd Infantry Div. 317th Combat battalion. Spoke many times of the brave men that fought in this campaign. He mentioned building pontoon bridges at night while the Germans rained artillery shells down on them. His records were lost and he wasn’t awarded his Purple Heart until 1998, 50 years after the war.

    • was your father name Walter Turner Washington D.C my father sever in the 92nd I have a picture of the whole division fort huachuca.

      • Perhaps your dad knew mine. My dad’s name was George O’Connor. He served in the 92nd Inf. Div 317 Combat Battallion. His records were lost on the way back from Italy and as a result it took the army 50 yrs to award him the purple heart he earned when injured in battle.

  4. My father-in-law, Freddie Mack Day, served with the 92nd Inf Div in Italy, 1944-1945. No one knew he was awarded the Bronze Star with V device until his death in 2001. He was a machine gunner.

  5. I met one of these soldiers today what a privilege and honor to share a moment with a great piece of our history. 94 years young! I am totally humble and took out at least an hour to listen to his stories and advice on life! I will never forget the moment or him!

  6. March 16, 2017
    Hello,
    “Freedom is not F R E E” This comment is to thank Mr. Jeff Hall, who is a Find A Grave Member. Mr Hall locates Soldiers’ graves and creates memorials for WWII, Korean, and Vietnam war dead. I recently came across an article and photo indicating that he created a memorial, Mexia Memorial Cemetery, located in Limestone, County, Texas where 2ND LT Johnny E. Birdsong was buried after having been removed from a burial ground. in Italy.
    To know that someone so loved and missed for over 70 years is remembered and honored by another who understands Freedom is Not Free
    honors the living as well as the deceased.

    Thank you Jeff Hall,

    Jacqueline Birdsong Johnson

  7. My dad was Edward F. Creagh, he served during WWII as a Buffalo soldier. Any information or pictures will be very much appreciated.

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