On this date, December 7, 1944 a 24 year old Milton man was killed 76 years ago in France during World War II. Born in Milton on June 10, 1920, he is believed to be the son of Stephen Smith and Susan Eveline Gillman (1868-1958). At the age 20-years old he would enlist in the US Army on February 5, 1941 and was eventually assigned to the 467th Ordnance Evacuation Company assigned to the US Ninth Army. This type of unit was fully responsible for the supply of all combat units with weapons and ammunition, including at times their procurement and maintenance and even bomb disposal. For instance, when replacement tanks were landed on shore these units transported them to the front lines. Fatal accidents and death from enemy mines and air attacks were common, adding to the long list of casualties.
Smith and his company were originally stationed in the town of Caistor, Lincolnshire, England as late as October 31st before sailing for France to join the 9th Army on or around the 5th of September. The 9th Army was assigned to General Omar Bradley's powerful US 12th Army Group. Their first military objective was to demolish and/or capture the port city of Brest, France, which was accomplished by the 8th of December. However, Sgt. Smith's obituary shows he was killed in action at Nice on the southern coast of France. Other records show that he died as a result of non-battle wounds along with at least one other soldier by the name of Lochlion J. Hamp from Cambria County, PA. Hamp is buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial and was also listed as a DNB. These type of deaths can be from accidental explosions, plane or vehicle crashes, etc. Sgt. Smith was buried in the Lorraine Cemetery until his remains were returned home after the war in 1948 by his mother's request. Upon arrival he was buried with full military honors and now rests with her in the Milton Cemetery.
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