No. 5226 Class of 1914. He was in command of the front line operations in the Bois de Ogons, the Bois de Cunel, France, around Madeleine Farm and Hill 299. He was shot by a German sniper October 15, 1918. Aged 28 years.
Roy M. Smyth
Lieutenant Colonel Roy Melvin Smyth was born in Tuolumne, California, March 21, 1890. He completed his course in the grammar school there, afterward graduating from the High School in Oakland, California. He was a student of the University of California when he received his appointment to West Point in 1910. He graduated with the Class of 1914 and joined the Fourth Infantry at Vera Cruz, Mexico.
He served during the border trouble at Brownsville, Texas. At Gettysburg, Penn., in 1917, he was promoted to Captain and supply officer. He sailed for France in April, 1918, in command of the First Battalion, Fourth Infantry, the regiment in which he put all his service. He crossed the Marne at Chateau Thierry in July, advanced through Mont St. Pere, Charteves and the dense forest to the north. He was cited for’ bravery by Major General Dickman in the third battle of the Marne. Early in October his regiment advanced to Motfancon and marched through a German barrage to the village of Nantillois. A large part of the time he was in command of the front line operations in the Bois de Ogons, the Bois de Cunel, around Madeleine Farm and Hill 299. His death occurred in the front lines October 15, 1918. Shot by a German sniper. He had been appointed Lieutenant Colonel by Congress in September and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously.
Colonel Smyth was the second son of Hugh N. and Annie M. Smyth who reside at Seven Troughs, Nevada, who with the brothers and sisters of this fine young officer may well be proud of a brave and gallant son and brother who gave all in the great war for freedom and justice. With many others of his Alma Mater he rests in peace in French soil.
Awards
http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=14806
Burial
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSmpid=47388623&GRid=3542551&
Family
http://www.genealogytrails.com/cal/soldiersgreatwar.html
For What They Gave on Saturday Afternoon 