MS SC588

Honors David L. Smith, 90-year-old World War II veteran from Jackson, Mississippi, for receiving the French Legion of Honor Medal on January 29, 2016, France's highest decoration awarded to WWII veterans who fought on French soil.

Recognizes Smith's service as Private First Class in the Army's 179th Infantry, 45th Division, including 10 months in combat, being wounded twice (shot in neck and shrapnel to left triceps), and spending 85 days in a foxhole during winter 1944.

Notes Smith's post-war contributions as a Rural Mail Carrier in Southern Hinds County for 33 years and current volunteer work teaching Sunday School and at Baptist Hospital in Jackson.

Acknowledges the French Legion of Honor was created by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to recognize exceptional service and courage, with recipients designated by the French President.

Directs presentation of this resolution to David L. Smith and his family, forwarding to the Mississippi Division of Veterans of Foreign Wars, and distribution to Capitol Press Corps.