Smock, Burdet 1915-1944

SMOCK, VESS

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 7/5/2021 at 18:38:12

Sgt. Smock left Elkader Feb. 14, 1941, after his enlistment in the army. He received his training at Fort Snelling, Minn., Fort Lewis, Wash., Fort Ord, Calif., and Camp Picett, Va. He was sent overseas Oct. 24, 1942, landing at Casablance, Africa.

He went through the African, Sicilian and Italian campaigns with the Seventh Army. Wounded on the Anzio beachhead in Italy the first part of May, he was awarded the Purple Heart, which he sent to his parents. He went with the Seventh Army to Southern France on August 6, 1944.

The last letter his parents received from their son was written Nov. 7, 1944.

Maj. Lloyd E. Langford, Assistant Division Chaplain, wrote as follows to Sgt. Smock's parents:
"According to an officer of his company, he was placing his guns in position when a 'jeep' ran over a mine. As your son went to give aid to his wounded comrade, he stepped on an anti-personnel mine. He was killed instantly. He was a superior soldier. At all times he displayed loyalty and undying devotion to duty. He was respected and admired by all, and his last act was done trying to help another. His gallantry will always be remembered by those who knew him. As Protestant chaplain it was my sad duty to officiate at his burial. I wish to assure you that he received a service in keeping with the high principles for which he made the supreme sacrifice. He was laid to rest in a cemetery that is nicely located, and the surroundings have been developed as beautifully as possible. His individual grave is cared for with the reverent respect and honor which is due our national heroes."

Staff Sgt. Burdet Smock was born on March 1, 1915, in the vicinity. He attended grade school at Elkport. Before his enlistment in the Army he worked on a farm. He was home on furlough September 15, 1941, which was his only furlough.

He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Ernest Smock; four sisters: Mrs. Beulah Vess, Cedar Rapids; Blanche, Bernadine and Betty at home; three brothers, Bernard of Mason City, Burnell and Bentley at home; one nephew, Eldon John Smock; and one niece, Eldene Kay Smock of Mason City; also several aunts and uncles, cousins and a host of friends.

~Clayton County Register, Thursday, January 18, 1945; pg 1 & 4 (included a photo of Smock)

Note: The obit was extracted from a news article about the double services of his father, Ernest W., who died 1/11/1945 and a memorial service for Burdet that was held during the elder Smock's funeral. He is buried in Epinal American Cemetery, Epinal, France.