During the
Civil War, Smith was a member of the
1st Maine Cavalry Regiment. He was commissioned a captain in November 1861 and took command of Company D. He served well and was promoted to major on February 16, 1863. Promoted again on March 26 to lieutenant colonel, he participated in the Stoneman 1863 raid. He commanded the regiment in Col. Douty's absence at Brandy Station, assuming command after Douty's death at
Aldie June 17, 1863, when he was promoted colonel. He commanded through the rest of the
Gettysburg Campaign. He was breveted to brigadier general on August 20, 1864, and took command of the brigade. He ended the war at Appomattox, having commanded several brigades and a division. He earned his Medal of Honor for his actions at the
Battle of St. Mary's Church in October 1864. Issued on April 11, 1895, his citation read: He remained in the army after the war and retired as a
colonel in 1891. He was a companion of the District of Columbia Commandery of the
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. == References ==