The men's pole vault event was part of the track and field athletics programme at the 1948 Summer Olympics.

Erkki Kataja had held the lead with a perfect set of jumps until Smith's last attempt clearance of 4.30.

The only returning vaulter from the pre-war 1936 Games was sixth-place finisher Richard Webster of Great Britain.

The United States made its 11th appearance, the only nation to have competed at every Olympic men's pole vault to that point.

For the first time (other than the impromptu decision in 1936 after two Japanese vaulters refused to jump-off against each other), ties were broken by fewest misses.