Senate honors Philip C. Smith

    SCHUYLER COUNTY—The New York State Senate paid tribute to Philip C. Smith, a decorated Korean War combat veteran and well-known figure in Schuyler County government and veterans’ affairs, by inducting him into the senate’s online Veterans Hall of Fame, Tuesday, June 14.
    Smith was drafted into service in the United States Army in 1951.  He attended leadership school at Fort Dix, N.J., and Officer Candidate School (OCS) and jump training at Fort Benning, Ga.
    He was sent to Korea and served as a Second Lieutenant (Company G, 15th Regiment, Third Infantry Division) in 1953.  He participated in one of the Korean War’s most well-known engagements, the eight-day defense of “Outpost Harry,” a remote allied war station protecting what was considered the most direct route to the South Korean capital.
    Smith was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highest military decoration, for his actions during the defense of Outpost Harry.
    Upon his return to the states from Korea in 1953, Smith served in the Army Reserves for several years and attained the rank of captain.  He considered making the army his career but remained in Schuyler County to help run the family-owned local grocery store, Smith’s IGA.
    Smith became involved in local government and politics.  He served on the Odessa-Montour School Board and was a member of  the Schuyler Legislature.
    For nearly the past 15 years, beginning in 1997, Smith has served as the Director of the Schuyler County Veterans’ Service Agency, where over the years he’s helped to connect area veterans with the local, state and federal services and benefits available to them.  Smith is well known for volunteering to drive area veterans to appointments and willingly sharing his wisdom and compassion to help those who served their country.
    To view the online entry, visit: www.nysenate.gov/story/phillip-c-smith.