BELLVILLE — Clear Fork High School honored one of its own Thursday with a ceremony dedicated to the memory of 1967 graduate Steven Dean Smith, who was killed in action in Kontum Province, Vietnam on April 15, 1968.

Students, faculty and staff filled the gymnasium, where Smith’s casket flag is on display. During the ceremony, the school’s history club presented a new memorial plaque, which will be placed with the flag in recognition of Smith’s sacrifice.

Private First Class Smith joined the 35th Regiment of the Fourth Infantry Division and began his tour of duty in Vietnam Feb. 6, 1968. This coming April marks the 50th anniversary of his death.

During his service, Smith earned a Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple Heart, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Campaign Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge, and The Republic of Vietnam Service medal. His unit was also awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.

The Bronze Star with Valor Device is the fourth highest award a member of the U.S. Army can receive for heroism in combat. Smith received this prestigious award as a result of his actions on April 15, 1968. On that day, he maneuvered through heavy enemy fire to supply effective cover fire in order for his comrades to evacuate the wounded and move to more effective positions. When all of his fellow soldiers were out of danger, he was mortally wounded by hostile fire during his attempt to rejoin his platoon.

Smith’s classmates, Bill Worner, Bryan McClelland and Richland County Commissioner Darrell Banks, shared anecdotes about Smith and his legacy.

On behalf of the Smith family, Stacy Isbel, Smith’s niece, thanked the high school for the ceremony memorializing her uncle.  

The ceremony closed with a reading of a poem written by Major Michael Davis O’Donnell, who was listed as Missing in Action on March 24, 1970 while on a mission in Cambodia. His remains were recovered and interred at Arlington National Cemetery in 2001.

“If you are able, save them a place inside of you

and save one backward glance when you are leaving

for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them,

though you may or may not have always.

Take what they have left

and what they have taught you with their dying

and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe

to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace

those gentle heroes you left behind.” – O’Donnell