The Story:
Sgt. Smette deployed to Iraq in the early stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom, in April 2003. Smette and his convoy were heading to Baghdad International Airport on Jan. 24, 2004, when his convoy was attacked by insurgents using an IED just south of Fallujah, Iraq. Smette, who was driving the vehicle, was instantly killed in the attack. He had volunteered to be deployed with his brother, Staff Sgt. Robert Smette, as a part of the 957th Engineer Company. Staff Sgt. Smette is still a member of the North Dakota Army National Guard. Smette was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and North Dakota Legion of Merit award on Jan. 24, 2004.