Surnames: Smith

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) Thursday, 23 Mar. 1944

Lt. Col. Herbert M. Smith Submits to Leg Operation

Lt. Col. Herbert M. Smith is convalescing after a recent leg operation. He is going on crutches, and is mostly confined to his home.

The operation was undertaken because of persistent infection in one of the shrapnel wounds which he received at Buna, New Guinea. This wound, small and insignificant in appearance, has been the occasion of almost constant irritation, with continuous drainage. The operation consisted in removing the scar tissue occasioned by the original wound, the field of operation extending to a depth of about three-quarters of an inch, where the fragment is still located. It was considered of secondary importance to locate and remove the garment; as a matter of act, the garment was not removed. Of primary importance is the effect to induce the wound to heal from below. To that end the wound is kept packed and open above, with the packing gradually becoming shallower as recovery proceeds. The wound is located on the back of the left leg, just above the ankle.