CPL James E. Smith

3 October 1993, Somalia

Rangers

Corporal James E. Smith of Long Valley, New Jersey, died on 3 October 1993 while supporting Operation CONTINUE HOPE in Somalia.

Smith enlisted as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army in 1990. He completed Infantry One Station Unit Training, Airborne School, and the Ranger Indoctrination Program prior to his assignment to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Fort Benning, Georgia. After joining his unit, he attended the Ranger Course and earned his Expert Infantryman Badge.

CPL Smith deployed with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment to Somalia in August 1993 as part of Task Force Ranger. He was serving as an Assistant Team Leader during the Battle of Mogadishu when he was fatally wounded by small arms fire.