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5/25/2007 11:56:00 PM
Remembering a hero
At 19, Greenville man gave his life three weeks before the end of WWII
Cory Smith
Daily News intern
On May 10, 1945, Staff Sgt. Donald Smith of Greenville would have celebrated his 20th birthday more than 5,000 miles away from home.
But three weeks before President Harry S. Truman announced to the nation that German forces had surrendered and the war in Europe was over, Smith gave his life so that others could live in freedom.
His sister, Betty Houle, 85, of Greenville, still has the letters he sent home before he died.
"He was glad his dad enjoyed a nice birthday, ,and only wished that he would have a nice birthday himself," said Houle. "He left us so close to the war's end; it was very hard on my family."
Houle can still remember the day the telegram arrived confirming her brother's death.
"When Donald died, the military delivered a telegram to my dad at work," she said. "He couldn't bear to take it home to my mother. He knew she would be devastated. When we arrived together at home she opened the door and knew instantly that he had been killed. She was heartbroken."
Smith was killed in Pietramala, Italy, on April 17, 1945, fighting in World War II. He was 19 years old.
Inducted into the Army in September, 1943, Smith spent 18 months in the service before he was killed by enemy fire. In that short time he was assigned to the famous 88th "Blue Devil" Division of the Army, promoted to sergeant, and again to staff sergeant.
It was on April 15 that the 88th "Blue Devil" Division launched its final offensive of the war and smashed through the German Army in Italy. In two days of fearsome fighting Smith led his squad into battle. The Blue Devils pushed the German defenders off their stronghold, forcing them to retreat. The Blue Devils marched on in pursuit, but Smith was no longer with them.
Smith was the sixth soldier killed in the war to be returned to Greenville for final burial, but his efforts would not go unnoticed.
Along with his family, the Greenville community honored Smith and his sacrifice.
A National Guard military escort marched though town, carrying his body to the Brown Funeral Home.
Stores throughout Greenville closed their doors one hour after the Gibson factory whistle blew and remained closed until the funeral procession passed. Merchants displayed the American flag outside their shops for two days and released all employed ex-servicemen in time to participate in the procession.
"Donald's death drew our whole family together," Houle said. "It drew the entire community of Greenville together. Everyone was very proud of him; he was a hero of Greenville."
Bill Delp, of Greenville, said he couldn't imagine what would happen today if Greenville had casualties of war similar to World War II.
"The sacrifice of those men, It would be hard to comprehend if it happened today," he said.
Smith was awarded the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantryman's badge for outstanding fighting ability in actual combat. When Smith was promoted to staff sergeant, he took on a role of responsibility for not only himself, but for those who served with him.
"I remember he was so very proud when he made sergeant," said Houle. "I have no doubt in my mind that while overseas he did his job and he did it well."
Houle questions what today might be like if Smith could have celebrated that last birthday.
"One wonders how far he could have gone," she said. "He never complained. He could go with the flow, and accept everything in life."
Houle said she will never forget her "hard-working, loyal, and easy-going" brother.
"He fought and died in one of the final battles of the war," she said, "and I couldn't be more proud."
Intern Cory Smith can be reached at csmith@staffordgroup.com or (616) 754-9303 ext. 3050.
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Posted: Monday, May 28, 2007
Article comment by:
Tamara Houle Hurst
It is a wonderful article.I never got the chance to meet my great uncle but have heard many wonderful things about him.
It is nice that we can remember him on this day with everything that is going on in the world.
Thank you My Grandmother is so proud
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