Who Was James F Smith?
The American Legion Post 15 is named after James Frederick Smith. James Smith was born September 24, 1897 and died September 12, 1918. He was the first Muskogee citizen drafted and the first Muskogee soldier to die in World War I. At the young age of only twenty-two years, he was killed in the Battle of Saint-Mihiel.
The American Legion Post 15 Historian Paul McKinstry (right) and Post Adjutant Raul Rizo attach an interment flag to the pole near World War I veteran James F Smith’s burial plot in the City of Muskogee’s Greenhill Cemetery to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Smith’s battle death September 18, 1918. Then, an American Legion Honor Guard gives Smith a three-volley rifle salute.
JAMES FREDERICK SMITH
14 September 1895 – 12 September 1918
James F Smith was born in Wolf City, Hunt County, Texas, September 14, 1895, to his father James A Smith and mother Johnnia A (Utley) Smith. Some sources show “Martha (Utley) Smith” as his mother. The Smith family moved to Porter Oklahoma in 1898. James A Smith (father) was a policeman at Muskogee Oklahoma Police Department until 1900. The Smith family relocated to Muskogee in 1905. James F Smith attended Muskogee Central High School (now Muskogee High School). He graduated in 1915. James F Smith joined the City of Muskogee Fire Department. He worked there until 1917 (slightly over two years).
In 1917, James F Smith was the first Muskogee Citizen to be inducted (“drafted”) into the United States Army. Private James F Smith was assigned to the 338th Machine Gun Company, 90th Infantry Division, Camp Travis, at San Antonio, Texas. The 90th Infantry was referred to as the “Tough Hombres” because most of the soldiers were from Texas and Oklahoma. The red insignia “TO” on an olive drab background identified these men as “Tough Hombres.” In July 1918,the unit completed their combat training, and The Division was shipped to France.
On September 12, 1918, Private James Frederick Smith was killed in action (KIA) in Meuse, Lorraine, France during the initial assault at The Battle of Saint-Mihiel (Saint Michael). Smith died two days before his 23rd birthday anniversary. A fellow soldier, Albert Sylvester, witnessed Smith’s fall in battle. Albert Sylvester later informed The Smith Family of James F Smith’s death.
James F Smith was initially buried at The American Military Cemetery, Saint-Mihiel, France. In August 1921, James F Smith’s body was returned to The United States of America. He was buried at the City of Muskogee Greenhill Cemetery, Oklahoma. Hundreds of patriotic Americans paid honor and tribute to James F Smith. People paying honor and tribute to James F Smith lined up from Bradley Funeral Home on West Okmulgee Street to Greenhill Cemetery on North York Street. American Legion Post 15 Commander Otto L.H. Hine presented The United States of America ceremonial burial flag to the Smith family.
James F Smith’s awards and decorations include: The Purple Heart Medal, World War I Victory Medal, World War I Occupation Medal and The French Croix de Guerre (War Cross).
American Legion Post 15, 4021 West Broadway Street in Muskogee OK is named in memory and honor of James Frederick Smith, a Great American citizen and honorable patriot.
