Before putting away Smith Larson for the time being, just a little positive note to end on. Several months after he was discharged (for the second time), Smith received a Good Conduct medal.
Judging from this and other documents, the award seems to be pretty much automatic for any serviceman who served a full tour, then reenlisted at some point, as long as he committed no “offenses.” Just the same, it’s nice to find something other than sickness and hospitals in his record. I wonder if some cousin of ours still has the medal?
Next: Samuelson’s traced back to the 200’s A.D.
