Veteran’s Spotlight “Brothers in Harm’s Way

Cpl. Robert Wayne “Bo” Smith and Sgt. Wilburn Harold Smith were two brothers from Subligna who served their country in the Korean War, and how the US Army found out that they were stationed close to each other is…simply amazing!

Wilburn was on the front lines in the Battle at Tank Hill and had been in combat for three months with the 45 th Infantry. At the end of the battle, his unit sent some supplies down to Base We Jun Bu which was approximately 200 miles south.

Bo was attached to the 1 st Platoon, 95 th Car Company and he happened to be the one to sign for supplies. The driver looked at his name tag and said, “Wow, another Smith boy.” Bo answered, “Yes, I am.” The driver responded, “I guess you are from Georgia also?” Bo replied, “Yes, I am.” The driver then described the soldier back at the combat zone. They contacted the Commanders and the Army arranged a phone call, and the two brothers were allowed to serve together until they came home.

Cpl. Robert Wayne “Bo” Smith was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Untied Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Citation from President Eisenhower. Cpl. Bo Smith was also a driver at times for General Eisenhower and movie star, Marilyn Monroe.

Sgt. Wilburn Harold Smith was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Untied Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Cold War Certificate and 50 th Year Korean War Medal.

We would like to thank Attorney Ken Bruce and Chattooga County for their total support of our Veterans for the last 20 years. – Ms. Odell Smith Anderson and Barbara Reece