The Walker B. Smith Collection

Walker B. Smith (left)

Project staff recently had the opportunity to meet a descendant of Walker B. Smith and review material related to his service. Smith lived in Mountain Grove, Missouri and was 23 years old when he was drafted into the army.  He became part of Company D, 128th Field Artillery Regiment, 35th Division. During World War I, the 128th Field Artillery fought in the Vosges Mountains, participated as a reserve force in the battle of Saint-Mihiel, was part of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, and later served in the Verdun sector.
















Smith kept a diary throughout his time in the war and documented his service from the day he was drafted to his return home. Also included in the collection are Smith's enlistment records, a French phrase book, an army song book, a piece of artillery shell that was melted down and crafted into a lighter, sheet music to a song Smith wrote about the war, and several photos. Below are selected images from the collection. Enjoy!

Walker B. Smith's Diary

 Sources:

The Walker B. Smith Collection was contributed by Mary Kloppenborg of Nixa, Missouri.