Lieutenant Gordon Smith, Jr., Midland Police Department, Texas

Lieutenant Gordon Smith, Jr.

Midland Police Department, Texas

End of Watch Tuesday, November 28, 1961

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Gordon Smith, Jr.

Lieutenant Gordon Smith was shot and killed while chasing a sexual assault and murder suspect.

The suspect jumped a fence and waited on the other side. As the officers used a barrel to climb over the fence the suspect shot Lieutenant Smith in the chest with a .357 caliber revolver he had taken from a deputy sheriff.

Although mortally wounded, Lieutenant Smith was able to return fire with his Thompson 45 submachine gun and killed the suspect.

Lieutenant Smith was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WWII and had been wounded twice in action while serving in the Pacific. He had served with the Midland Police Department for 15 years and had previously served with the Sherman Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his wife, five children, and father.

Bio

Age 41
Tour 15 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
Offender Shot and killed

foot pursuit, murder suspect, sex offense

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Most Recent Reflection

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Lt. Smith,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the USMC in the Pacific fighting the Japanese during WW II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!
A fellow LEO;former Marine

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

November 28, 2021