[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12729-12730]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          A TRIBUTE TO HUGH ``SMITTY'' SMITH, AN AMERICAN HERO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANIEL E. LUNGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 2009

  Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
pay tribute to Hugh ``Smitty'' Smith, an American hero who served our 
nation through five major campaigns in France, Belgium, Holland and 
Germany during World War II.
  Mr. Smith served on the front lines with the 744th Light Tank 
Battalion of the United States Army. As he advanced on the Axis Powers 
as the commander of an M24 tank, he was wounded by a German sniper in 
the face. Determined to fight for the liberation of Europe, he returned 
to his battalion three weeks later. Epitomizing the strength of the 
Allied Forces, Smitty staved off starvation and suffered a concussion, 
only to stay his new post guarding German prisoners until they were 
relocated.
  Serving as a de facto battalion commander and even as a medic when 
his comrades were targets of German snipers, Smitty was known by his 
men as a ``go to guy.'' Always rising to the occasion during the worst 
battlefield conditions, Smitty guided, calmed and assisted his men when 
they needed him most. Mr. Smith's bravery was simply unmatched.
  One of Mr. Smith's most admirable leadership qualities is his fervor 
for serving others. As this was evident in his youth, he continues

[[Page 12730]]

today to lead by example and improve the wellbeing of his community by 
being a member of the CAPS team, the volunteer citizens patrol unit for 
the Galt Police Department. This role only solidifies what we know to 
be true about Smitty, that he is always ready and willing to serve 
others.
  The ability to inspire and live a life of complete selflessness is 
the legacy of a true hero. It is an honor to recognize Hugh ``Smitty'' 
Smith for his immense dedication to improving the quality of life for 
so many individuals both here and abroad, and for his unwavering 
commitment to equality and justice. He has truly served my district and 
the United States of America proudly.

                          ____________________