Crowell John Smith was born June 15, 1917, in Stanly County. His parents were Jenny Curlee and Richard Smith. He joined the Army during World War II on Nov. 18, 1943. Smith went through training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and Camp Hozie, Texas, During September 1944, he was sent overseas to fight in Europe. In November 1944, Smith was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, our nation’s second-highest military award. According to the March 13, 1945 Stanly News & Press, “The citation awarding this high military honor reads as follows: Corp. Crowell J. Smith, 34854687, Company C, Tank Battalion, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. On November 18, 1944, when Company C – Tank Battalion, was attacking the town of Woippy, France, the tank on which Corporal Smith was the 77 mm gunner was hit by enemy rocket-launched and mortar fire. The wounded crew were forced to leave the tank but Corporal Smith remained at his gun, loading and firing the weapon until he silenced the enemy fire. He then drove the tank to another position, picked up two additional crew members and continued to man his gun until the tank bogged down. Forced to abandon the tank, he dismounted a 30-caliber machine gun and continued to fire against the enemy from another position until friendly infantry forces came forward. Corporal Smith’s calm courage under fire and his heroic devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States.” After returning to the United States, Smith lived in Oakboro and was very active in the community. He served as the local police chief and was also a member of the Oakboro Volunteer Fire Department. Smith passed away on July 22, 2000 and is buried at the Oakboro Cemetery. {Lewis Bramlett – Stanly County Historical Society}