SMITH, Austin - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Danville, Ill Dec 2 – Austin Smith, a Hoosier schoolboy who ran away from his studies in Hillsboro (Ind) High School March 25, 1917 to enlist in the US Marine Corps has been Killed In Action in France according to a message received from the War Department today by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Oren Smith now residents of Danville. He was then but 18 years of age and was born in Fountain County, Indiana, Smith was in the repulse of the Prussian Guards at Chateau-Thierry and took parts in the action that proved the turning point in the war and was badly wounded.  A letter received form him a few weeks ago dated Oct 20 and in an army hospital told that he was about recovered and would rejoin his old command Nov 1. The telegram indicates that he lost his life within 24 hours after reporting.