Lockport Vietnam veteran honored by President Obama loses cancer battle

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Lockport resident Francis Smolich in Vietnam 1970. | Submitted photo

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Updated: March 9, 2012 8:20AM

LOCKPORT — Francis “Bud” Smolich, a Vietnam veteran whose Army unit received honors in person from President Obama at the White House in October 2009, died Monday. He was 69.

Obama shook the Lockport resident’s hand twice, and put his arm around him, as he honored the veterans with a Presidential Unit Citation for heroism. On March 26, 1970, the soldiers rescued another Army unit from certain destruction or capture by the North Vietnamese Army.

During the battle, Smolich, a sergeant, commanded soldiers who pounded enemy bunkers with mortar fire, and also lit the way to safety after the battle by firing illumination rounds.

In the Rose Garden ceremony in 2009, Smolich stood behind Obama as the president honored Alpha Troop, First Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

“Throughout his life, one of Bud’s greatest pleasures was doing things for others. His daily goal was to bring a smile to someone’s face,” according to a statement Tuesday from Bud’s wife, Cheryl; his son, Eric; and his daughter, Joy.

“Sgt. Smolich’s determined and capable leadership served him in battle as well as in life,” the family said, a reference to previous remarks of commendation by retired Army Capt. John Poindexter, who led Smolich’s unit in the rescue.

Hero’s story

Smolich, son of Frank and Sophie Smolich, was born Oct. 3, 1942. He grew up in Crest Hill and attended Lockport Township High School, graduating in 1960.

Smolich lived in Crest Hill until age 22, when he married Cheryl Anderson, a Lockport native. The couple spent the early years of their marriage in Lockport.

After graduation, Smolich tried to join the Marines and the Army, but was rejected. In 1967, the 25-year-old was drafted into the Army. He received a deferment for roughly a year because a member of his immediate family was having a critical surgery. After joining the Army in June 1968, he completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

From June 1969 to June 1970, Smolich fought in the Vietnam War, the long struggle between that nation’s communist North and the U.S.-backed South. For almost all of that year, Smolich fought in an area of South Vietnam called War Zone C, in Tay Ninh province, northwest of Saigon.

Alpha Troop was guarding workers who were clearing a path for a road. On March 26, Alpha Troop learned of the peril faced by Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division.

That unit, on a different mission, was nearly surrounded by the North Vietnamese Army. Charlie Company was outnumbered and engaged in battle with night looming.

Alpha Troop plowed through about three miles of dense jungle before arriving on the battle scene and relieving Charlie Company.

Post-war years

Smolich’s tour of duty ended in June 1970. After returning from Vietnam and receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he worked for Rovanco Piping Systems in Joliet.

Years later, Poindexter wrote “The Anonymous Battle,” a book about the heroism of Alpha Troop. The book, published in 2004, includes several references to Smolich’s contributions.

In late October 2009, after the White House ceremony, Smolich was honored in Lockport. More than 300 people gathered at Lockport Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5788 to recognize his heroism. They watched a video of Obama’s speech in the Rose Garden.

“I think it’s great that after all these years, this unit gets recognition for the accomplishment of the 26th, rescuing over 100 people from death or capture. I think it’s great for my unit,” Smolich told The Herald-News that month.

Cancer diagnosis

Smolich was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in December 2010. He fought the disease for more than a year and died Monday.

Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Friday at Goodale Memorial Chapel, 912 S. Hamilton St. in Lockport. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at the chapel.

A funeral procession will proceed from the chapel to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, where a burial with full military honors begins at 1 p.m.