PVT Stewart Melvin Smith

PVT Stewart Melvin Smith Was born 28 Dec 1913 in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. He was the 2nd of 16 children born to Alexander and Myrtle Belle (Atkins) Smith. His "Irish" twin, Retha, who was born in early January 1913 would die just 7 days after Stewart was born. 2 other siblings would die very young. The family farmed near Bruce, Michigan. Stewart married Evelyn Mae Burr in August 1939 and the couple lived in Detroit, Michigan where Stewart worked as a carpenter for Joe Meyerhoven. The young couple would have a son just 1 year after saying their vows. 

Stewart wasn't drafted until March 1944. After completing his basic military training he was sent to Europe and transferred from the replacement depot to G Company 116th Infantry on 26 Oct 1944. PVT Smith was killed in the fighting to take Koslar, Germany on 25 Nov 1944.

PVT Smith was repatriated in 1949 and re-interred White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy, Michigan.

Although Evelyn re-married in 1947 she took care of the paperwork necessary to bring Stewart home. Their son was adopted by Evelyn's 2nd husband and lived out his life using his step-father's name.

Stewart had brothers who also served. Robert Alexander Smith served as a CM2c in the U.S. Navy during the war. Andrew John Smith served in the U.S. Army. Jesse Wayne Smith served as a PFC in the U.S.Army 1954-1956.