Edward R. Smith was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in January, 1888. He came west to Nevada when a young man and settled in Humboldt County. There he worked for Miller and Lux Company, ranching and cattle-raising. At the time of his entrance into the Service (April 26th, 1918), he gave his residence as Amos, Humboldt County, Nevada. He went first to Camp Lewis, Washington, for training, and was placed in the 48th Company, 12th Battalion, 166th Depot Brigade. On the 27th of May, he was transferred to Company M, 363d Infantry, 91st Division. His foreign service commenced on July 7th, when he went overseas with the 91st. He was made a First Class Private on August 30th. Thereafter he served with the 91st in reserve at St. Mihiel (September 12-15), in the Argonne Offensive (September 26th-October 3d) in the advance from the Bois de Cheppy to Gesnes, and on October 30th on the Flanders front with the British Armies. The 37th and 91st American Divisions attacked with the British at a point directly east of Ypres, Belgium. Between October 30th and November 3d, the 91st Division captured Spitaals Bosschen, reached the Scheldt, and entered Audenarde.

Private, First Class, Smith was one of the intrepid soldiers who fought and fell in the advance on Audenarde. He as killed in action on the second day of the battle, October 31st, 1918.

There are no records of any relatives of the soldier. He asked that his closest friend, Mr. Harry Wilson, whom he had known in Nevada but who now resides at Cedarville, California, be notified in case of his death. Mr. Wilson states that Private Smith was “a gentleman in every respect and a fine fellow.” In the absence of relatives, Mr. Wilson attended to his late friend’s business affairs with the Government.