Prussia. An Iron Cross 1914 First Class, By The Royal Mint certificate_of_authenticity Smith was a Seaman Second

Smith was a Seaman Second Class when he reported to the Colorado-class battleship USS West Virginia (BB-48) on March 26

who fell in defense of Paris during the Paris Commune of 1871

inscribed "REG 14/1919" below the arms

He was treated and returned to duty one week later

Prussia. An Iron Cross 1914 First Class, By The Royal Mint certificate_of_authenticity Smith was a Seaman Second(Eisernes Kreuz 1914 1. Klasse). A cross patte of multi piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed border; the obverse with a raised central W, with the re institution date 1914 in raised numbering on the lower arm, and the royal crown on the upper arm; the reverse with a vertical pinback, with a barrel hinge and a round wire catch; marked KO for Knigliches Mnzamt Orden on the reverse; measuring 43. 19 mm (w) x 43. 19 mm