Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

Purple Heart Presentation

Will take place this Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum

January 13, 2015 | 2 min reading time

This article is 10 years old. It was published on January 13, 2015.

 The nonprofit organization Purple Hearts Reunited will be presenting a military medal that belonged to PFC Alvin T. Smith to the Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum this Saturday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Museum located at 1315 Chestnut Street.  The ceremony will honor PFC Smith's service and sacrifice.

Alvin T. Smith was born on Nov. 21, 1921 in St. Louis, MO to Thomas and Virginia Smith.  On Nov. 30, 1942, he enlisted in the Army at Jefferson Barracks, MO.  During World War II, Smith  served in the Army with Company L, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division.  The young soldier was killed in action during defensive operations at Anzio Beach Head, Italy on May 2, 1944.  He was awarded a Purple Heart posthumously and is buried in Zion Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.  PFC Smith's additional decorations include the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, World War II Victory Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge.

The family requested that Purple Hearts Reunited find a home of honor for the medal in PFC Smith's hometown of St. Louis. PFC Smith's medal will be on display at the Museum.

Alvin T. Smith was one of 2,753 St. Louisans who made the supreme sacrifice in WW II.  His name is in the Court of Honor at Soldiers' Memorial.

PFC Alvin T. Smith's name engraved in the Court of Honor in St. Louis, MO

 

Soldiers' Memorial

City of St. Louis

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