David J. Smith (Marine)

David J. Smith ( d. January 26, 2010) of Frederick, Maryland, was a Marine Corps sergeant who died from combat injuries sustained during Operation Enduring Freedom in the War in Afghanistan.

Early life

Smith graduated from Frederick High School, Frederick, Md., in 2002 and was a member of the football, lacrosse, soccer, and wrestling teams.

He attended Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland, and East Carolina University (ECU), Greenville, North Carolina. He left ECU to join the USMC in 2003.

Military career

Smith enlisted December 29, 2003, and served as a light armored vehicle crewman in Company B, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, based in Camp Pendleton, California.

Smith served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (the Iraq War) from 2006-07. In October 2009, he volunteered to go to Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

On January 23, 2010, his unit was supporting Afghan police in southern Helmand Province during Operation Enduring Freedom. He sustained injuries when his post was attacked by a [...] bomber. Two other Marines in Smith's battalion died in the attack. After being treated at a military hospital, he was flown to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, in Landstuhl, Germany, for treatment.

Death

Smith died on January 26, 2010, from his injuries. His body was flown to Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Delaware, on January 31. On February 2, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered that the flags at the state Capitol in Sacramento be flown at half-staff. AbOUT 1,200 people attended the funeral service at the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church on February 9, 2010. Smith was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. The burial service was held at the cemetery's columbarium complex. Marines fired a three-rifle volley salute. A Marine bugler then played Taps. Smith's parents were presented with two American flags in honor of their son.

Honors and awards

Smith was awarded the following medals and ribbons:

  • Combat Action Ribbon
  • Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal
  • Iraq Campaign Medal
  • Global War on [...] Service Medal
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
  • Armed Forces Reserve Medal