Hamilton Allen Smith was born on January 18, 1871. He was a native of Florida. his boyhood days were spent in that State and in Georgia, from which latter State he came as a cadet to the United States Military Academy, graduating with the Class of 1893. He was assigned to the 3rd Infantry after graduation, with station at Fort Snelling, Minn., and with this regiment he saw service in the Cuban campaign and in the Philippines, and also in Alaska. With his regiment, he went to the Mexican border in 1916. In 1901, he was promoted to his Captaincy, and in 1917, he received his Majority and was detailed in the Inspector General’s Department at Fort Sam Houston. He was a graduate of the School of the Line and of the Staff College.

Colonel Smith sailed with the First Expeditionary Forces under General Sibert. Early in the year of 1918 he was given the command of the 26th U. S. Infantry, and saw active service at Chateau Thierry and Cantigny. As a result of the excellent work done by his regiment Colonel Smith was congratulated by Generals Buck and Bullard.

On July 22, 1918, on the very eve of the relief, and after he had personally conducted the Scotch reconnoitering party over his area, Colonel Hamilton A. Smith was killed by a machine gun bullet while directing an attack on machine gun emplacements near the sugar-mill in front of Noyant, France. Colonel Smith spent the greater part of those last two days in the front line with his men, and by his courage and happy spirits worked wonders among them. His death brought gloom and a grim determination to avenge all.

SMITH, HAMILTON ALLEN
Colonel, U.S. Army
26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: July 19 - 22, 1918
General Orders No. No. 132, W.D., 1918

Citation:

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Hamilton A. Smith, Colonel, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action at Soissons, France, July 19 - 22, 1918.
Colonel smith spent the greater part of his time in the front lines to encourage and direct his command, without sign of fear for his personal safety, and by his courageous leadership inspired his officers and men to effective combat.
He was killed while directing an attack on a machine gun emplacement.

Source of information: https://forwhattheygave.com/2012/07/23/hamilton-allen-smith/, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/hasmith.htm