Born in New Westminster, British Columbia,[1] Smith came of age during the Great Depression and, along with many others, struggled to find steady employment.

With a hand-held PIAT anti-tank launcher he disabled a Mark V Panther tank at a range of just 30 feet (9.1 metres), and while protecting a wounded comrade, killed four panzergrenadiers and routed others.

He destroyed in total three Panther tanks, two self-propelled artillery pieces, a half-track, a scout car, and a large number of German soldiers.

In Italy on the night of 21st–22nd October 1944, a Canadian Infantry Brigade was ordered to establish a bridgehead across the Savio River.

The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada were selected as the spearhead of the attack, and in weather most unfavourable to the operation they crossed the river and captured their objective in spite of strong opposition from the enemy.

As the right forward company was consolidating its objective it was suddenly counter-attacked by a troop of three Mark V Panther tanks supported by two self-propelled guns and about thirty infantry and the situation appeared hopeless.

Under heavy fire from the approaching enemy tanks, Private Smith, showing great initiative and inspiring leadership, led his P.I.A.T.

Without hesitation, Private Smith moved out on the road and with his Tommy gun at point-blank range, killed four Germans and drove the remainder back.

Private Smith, still showing utter contempt for enemy fire, helped his wounded friend to cover and obtained medical aid for him behind a nearby building.

No further immediate attack developed, and as a result, the battalion was able to consolidate the bridgehead position so vital to the success of the whole operation, which led to the capture of San Giorgio Di Cesena and a further advance to the Ronco River.

Thus, by the dogged determination, outstanding devotion to duty and superb gallantry of this private soldier, his comrades were so inspired that the bridgehead was held firm against all enemy attacks, pending the arrival of tanks and anti-tank guns some hours later.

During these years, Smith regularly visited sites related to World War II with clients.

Smith was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada on November 15, 1995, and received the honour in a ceremony on February 15, 1996.

[3] Gary Pawson nominated him for the Order of British Columbia starting in 1997, and each year following until he was finally so honoured.

His body was placed in the foyer of the House of Commons to lie in state on August 9, 2005, making him only the ninth person to be accorded this honour; government flags flew at half-mast on that day.

His ashes were scattered at sea in the Gulf of Georgia Smith donated his VC and medals to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in his will.

The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Museum and Archives had a replica VC and set of medals and a generic World War II uniform on display.

[5] In the Robert Heinlein novel Starship Troopers, Camp Sergeant Smokey Smith (located in the Canadian Rockies, B.C.)