Central in Pickens County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Furman L. Smith Memorial Highway

Photographed by Don Morfe, April 17, 2001

1. Furman L. Smith Memorial Highway Marker

Inscription. In memory of Furman L. Smith Veteran of World War II killed in Italy June 1, 1944 for heroic action beyond the call of duty. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor 1925-1944.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list.

Location. 34° 47.85′ N, 82° 49.044′ W. Memorial is in Central, South Carolina, in Pickens County. It is at the intersection of Furman L. Smith Memorial Highway and South Main Street (SC 133) on Furman L. Smith Memorial Highway. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Central SC 29630, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in South Carolina’s and pstate,

in the Foothills, in the Golden Corner. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee

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Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cherokee Path (approx. half a mile away); Six Mile Veterans Monument (approx. half a mile away); Cateechee Mill Village (approx. 3½ miles away); Issaqueena Bombing Range (approx. 3.8 miles away); Old Pickens Presbyterian Church (approx. 3.9 miles away); Old Pickens Church (approx. 3.9 miles away); a different marker also named Old Pickens Presbyterian Church (approx. 3.9 miles away); Andrew Pickens (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Central.

Regarding Furman L. Smith Memorial Highway. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *SMITH, FURMAN L.
• Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 135th Infantry, 34th Infantry Division
• Place and date: Near Lanuvio, Italy, 31 May 1944
• Entered service at: Central, S.C.
• G.O. No.: 6, 24 January 1945
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above

Furman L. Smith grave marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, April 17, 2001

2. Furman L. Smith grave marker

He is buried in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Central SC. The grave GPS is 34.7639N 82.8326W.

and beyond the call of duty. In its attack on a strong point, an infantry company was held up by intense enemy fire. The group to which Pvt. Smith belonged was far in the lead when attacked by a force of 80 Germans. The squad leader and 1 other man were seriously wounded and other members of the group withdrew to the company position, but Pvt. Smith refused to leave his wounded comrades. He placed them in the shelter of shell craters and then alone faced a strong enemy counterattack, temporarily checking it by his accurate rifle fire at close range, killing and wounding many of the foe. Against overwhelming odds, he stood his ground until shot down and killed, rifle in hand.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 710 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 11, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.