Allegheny County PA Archives-  Obituaries: Smith, Oliver, Sep 1918

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Victoria Valentine, <vvalentine4@comcast.net>, Mar 2009

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Taken from McDonald Pa Outlook 21 Apr 1921

The body of Oliver J. SMITH, killed in action September 29, 1918 while 
acting as a stretcher bearer during the assault on the great Hindenburg line 
at St. Quentin Canal at Bellincort, arrived in Oakdale Wednesday morning, 
April 20th. Private SMTH was born at Dinsmore, Pa., October 30, 1897.
 
Funeral services in charge of the American Legion Post of 
Oakdale will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock in St. Patrick's 
church, Noblestown.
 
Private SMITH is a brother of Mrs. Martin BRANDON of Third 
street, McDonald.

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Taken from McDonald Pa Outlook 28 Apr 1921

The funeral service for Oliver J. SMITH was held Saturday afternoon in 
St. Patrick's church, Noblestown, conducted by Rev. D. C. COX. The body 
arrived Wednesday, and was taken to the home of a brother, J. M. SMITH of 
Oakdale. The All American Military band and the American Legion boys 
preceded the funeral party to the church. The church was filled with 
friends who came to pay their last tribute of respect to another of our 
World war heroes. After the service in the church the body was taken to the 
grave by the Legion boys where prayer was offered by Father COX and volleys 
were fired by the firing squadron. Taps were then sounded, after which the 
band played the Star Spangled Banner.
 
Oliver J. SMITH was born at Dinsmore, Pa. October 30, 1887. For 
a number of years he resided at Oakdale, and about eight years ago he left 
for Perry, Okla., where he was engaged in the oil business and was at this 
place when he answered the call to his country. On September 29, 1918, 
while acting as stretcher bearer, when his company, M. 120th Inf., was 
assaulting the Great Hindenburg defenses at the St. Quentin Canal at 
Bellincourt, France, he was struck by an artillery shell, resulting in 
instant death.
 
Oliver was a boy highly esteemed by his comrades and friends. 
He displayed a gracious and charitable disposition. He leaves one brother, 
J. M. SMITH, of Oakdale, and three sisters, Mrs. Martin BRANDON of McDonald, 
Mrs. James R. PARK and Mrs. Frank BARR, of Tulsa, Okla.