Honoring a Medal of Honor Hero: The Veteran Honor Ceremony for Cpl. Lawrence Eugene Smedley, USMC
On the evening of August 26, 2026, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial was honored to host one of the most meaningful ceremonies in our recent history. We gathered to dedicate an Honor Plaque for Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Lawrence Eugene Smedley, United States Marine Corps, in partnership with the 1st Marine Division Association during their 79th Annual Reunion.
His plaque now stands permanently on our walls, 822 feet above San Diego, ensuring that his story, his face, and his extraordinary act of valor are protected here for every generation that follows.
A Life Lived in Service
Born in Front Royal, Virginia, on March 4, 1949, Lawrence Eugene Smedley answered the call to service early in life. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in March 1966, shortly after his 17th birthday.
After completing recruit training at Parris Island and infantry combat training at Camp Lejeune, Cpl. Smedley deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in July 1967. Assigned as a rifleman, squad radio man, and squad leader with Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, he quickly proved himself a dedicated and courageous leader, earning his corporal stripes just months after arriving in-country.
The Night That Defined a Legacy
On the night of December 20–21, 1967, Cpl. Smedley led a six-man patrol to an ambush site at the mouth of Happy Valley in Quảng Nam Province. When an estimated 100 North Vietnamese Army regulars and Viet Cong armed with mortars and rocket launchers advanced toward Hill 41 to launch an attack on the vital Da Nang complex, Cpl. Smedley took swift, bold action. Recognizing the grave threat, he radioed for a reaction force and maneuvered his outnumbered squad into position to attack.
When a heavy enemy machine gun and an exploding rifle grenade severely wounded Cpl. Smedley and knocked him to the ground, he selflessly disregarded his injuries. Struggling to his feet, he shouted words of encouragement to his Marines and fearlessly charged the enemy position, firing his rifle and throwing grenades. Though struck again and critically wounded, Cpl. Smedley rose a second time in a heroic one-man assault, successfully destroying the machine-gun post before falling mortally wounded.
For his extraordinary valor, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Lawrence Eugene Smedley was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
He rests at Arlington National Cemetery.
A Partnership Built on Brotherhood
This ceremony was made possible through our partnership with the 1st Marine Division Association, a brotherhood founded on the timeless principle of "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." Gathered for their 79th Annual Reunion, Association members traveled from across the country to witness this dedication, ensuring that the heroic deeds of Marines like Cpl. Smedley are forever remembered, honored, and passed on to future generations of Americans.
The ceremony was a powerful reminder that the fight for liberty is both a deeply personal story and a collective one. The bonds forged in service never fade.
The Ceremony
The evening's program brought together distinguished guests, Marine Corps leadership, and members of the community in a solemn and moving tribute.
Highlights included:
Presentation of Colors by the United States Marine Corps Color Guard
Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence led by Neil O'Connell, Executive Director, Mt. Soledad Memorial Association
"Honor. Above All: A Commitment to Preserving Their Legacy at 822 Feet" remarks by Neil O'Connell
Plaque Dedication with the permanent placement of Cpl. Smedley's Honor Plaque on our walls
Guest Speakers 1stLT Michael Galyean, USMC, 1st Marine Division Association; BGen Michael I. Neil, USMC (Ret)
The Playing of Taps by David Powell, Bugles Across America
Closing Remarks by Neil O'Connell, Executive Director, MSMA
His Story Is Now Protected Here
At Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, we don't just preserve names. We protect the American Story. As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this memorial stands as a sentinel of service, connecting the ideals of 1776 to the brave men and women on our walls today.
Cpl. Smedley's plaque joins nearly 10,000 others. Each one a distinct face, a distinct life, a distinct act of courage that helped carry this nation forward. His story is no longer at risk of being forgotten. It is etched in black granite, 822 feet above San Diego, for centuries to come.
Your Bravery Is Not Forgotten.
Honor a Veteran at This Historic Moment
As our nation marks 250 years of American freedom, there has never been a more meaningful time to place a veteran's story on these walls.
The exclusive 250th Gold Medallion is now available on all new Honor Plaque orders. A permanent mark of distinction commemorating your veteran's service at this singular moment in American history. Available through December 31, 2026 only. Once this window closes, it closes permanently.
[Order a Plaque and Add the 250th Gold Medallion →] soledadmemorial.org/order-a-plaque
Have questions? Visit soledadmemorial.org/help
Join the Mission
For 250 years, men and women from every background, every branch, and every era have served this nation. At Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, we protect their stories in granite and we protect this memorial for the generations who will come to read them.
As a 1776 Charter Member, your monthly support helps preserve this mission today and for the next 250 years. For just $17.76/month, you'll receive a member certificate, lapel pin, ballcap or scarf, and a commemorative Merit level welcome gift.
Use code 1776CHARTER at checkout.
[Claim Your 1776 Charter Membership →] soledadmemorial.org/membership
Honor. Above All.
