Smith was escorting heavy equipment transporters when his vehicle hit unexploded ordnance.

Pfc. Jeremiah D. Smith was a cavalry scout in Baghdad, the soldier out front looking for possible trouble awaiting his brothers in arms. He was killed on Memorial Day, May 26, while escorting heavy equipment transporters. His vehicle hit unexploded ordnance.

“That is not a great surprise that he was out front providing security for other soldiers,” said 1st Lt. Alan Davison, who trained with Smith at Fort Riley, Kan. “He was a great American.”

Smith was married, with two daughters, ages 3 and 5.