SMITH, Capt. Henry Irving, Medal of Honor recipient

SMITH

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 5/23/2011 at 04:31:22

The Globe Gazette
Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Saturday, May 29, 2010

About Henry Smith

Henry I. SMITH of Mason City was a Civil War Medal of Honor recipient, a rare honor.

The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest military award, given in recognition of distinguished gallantry during hostile action. Since its inception in 1862, 108 Iowans from 10 conflicts have received the medal.

SMITH served as a first lieutenant in Co. B, 7th Iowa Infantry. At Black River, N.C., on March 15, 1865, his company attempted to construct a pontoon bridge over a portion of the flooded river that was held by Confederate troops.

"In the midst of the struggle, one soldier, whose name is not recorded, was swept away in the current. Capt. SMITH threw off his coat and sword and swam to the soldier's rescue, bringing him to shore to continue their mission," according to one account.

SMITH received a chest wound at the battle of Belmond, Mo., on Nov. 7, 1861. The bullet passed through his chest, broke the collar bone and lodged in his shoulder blade. He recuperated in the hospital at Mound City, Ill., before rejoining the regiment. The bullet was never removed.

— State Historical Society of Iowa

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2011

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