Dennis Allen Smith 

BornOct. 28, 1946
DiedMar. 20, 1969
Service BranchArmy
RankPrivate First Class
Rating or Job 
Unit169th Light Infantry
CampaignViet Nam
Military Citations 
Honors 
Family 
Notes

Pfc. Dennis Allen Smith

Oct. 28, 1946 - Mar. 20, 1969

Gridley

Dennis Smith realized the future 20 years ago, and was attending computer school in Sacramento, when he was drafted into the Army on Feb. 7, 1968.

Born in Sacramento. Smith grew up in GridIey, and graduated from Gridley High in 1964.

A Mormon, he served a two-year mission in Florida alter graduating from high school. When he returned to Gridley, Smith attended Yuba College for a short time before transferring to the computer school. His mother said he was the first person drafted out of the school.

Smith. who loved riding motorcycles, also worked at a local cannery and catering business.

After basic training in Ft. Lewis, Washington, Smith was sent to Vietnam in November 1968. He was assigned to the 169th Light Infantry, where he was often called on for sniper duty.

Smith was killed by enemy mortar fire during a battle near Danang. He had been in Vietnam just over four months.

Chico News & Review, May 26, 1988

 

Sources

National Archives

Chico News & Review

Mementos