Vietnam veteran honored by President Obama loses cancer battle

Lockport Vietnam veteran honored by President Obama loses cancer battle
By Tony Graf tgraf@stmedianetwork.com February 7, 2012 7:50PM

Updated: February 8, 2012 10:20AM

LOCKPORT — Francis “Bud” Smolich, a Vietnam veteran whose Army unit received honors in person from President Obama at the White House in October 2009, died Monday. He was 69.

Obama shook the Lockport resident’s hand twice, and put his arm around him, as he honored the veterans with a Presidential Unit Citation for heroism. On March 26, 1970, the soldiers rescued another Army unit from certain destruction or capture by the North Vietnamese Army.

During the battle, Smolich, a sergeant, commanded soldiers who pounded enemy bunkers with mortar fire, and also lit the way to safety after the battle by firing illumination rounds.

In the Rose Garden ceremony in 2009, Smolich stood behind Obama as the president honored Alpha Troop, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

“Throughout his life, one of Bud’s greatest pleasures was doing things for others. His daily goal was to bring a smile to someone’s face,” according to a statement Tuesday from Bud’s wife, Cheryl; his son, Eric; and his daughter, Joy.

“Sgt. Smolich’s determined and capable leadership served him in battle as well as in life,” the family said, a reference to previous remarks of commendation by retired Army Capt. John Poindexter, who led Smolich’s unit in the rescue.
read more here