Sheriff honors oldest living veteran in Duplin County

The Duplin County Sheriff’s Office recently honored retired United States Army Sgt. First Class Julian Davis “J.D.” Smith Jr., with a Resolution of Appreciation presented by Sheriff Stratton Stokes.

According to the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office, Smith is the oldest living veteran in Duplin County, who served in the largest and deadliest war in history — World War II.

The Sheriff’s Office shared that Smith fought on the front lines from April 1,1945 through May 8, 1945 as a member of the 104th Infantry Division under the command of General George Patton in the 1st and 9th Army.

The 104th Infantry Division known as the Timberwolves, distinguished itself by engaging in 195 consecutive days of combat and earned the nickname Night Fighters.

According to the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office Smith served four tours in Germany, in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 and in the Vietnam War from 1963 to 1964, retiring on Dec. 1, 1968 at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Smith celebrated his 99th birthday on Nov. 17 surrounded by family and friends at Kennedy Ranch on Pink Hill.

“At the birthday celebration, Mr. Smith was also presented with a certificate commissioning him as a Honorable Kentucky Colonel issued by Kentucky Governor Andy G. Beshear and Kentucky Secretary of State Michael G. Adams. He also received a framed United States Army 104th Infantry Division Insignia and History in World War II plaque,” wrote Duplin County Sheriff’s Office. “Happy Birthday Mr. J. D. Smith, you are a true American Hero!”