S. Rodmond Smith

Samuel Rodmond Smith was a Brevet Major in the Union Army who served during the American Civil War. Professionally an attorney, Smith went on to serve as the Mayor of Miami, Florida, later in his life. He is best known for his extraordinary heroism during his military service, which earned him the nation's highest military decoration.

During the Civil War, Smith served in the U.S. Army and demonstrated remarkable courage during a critical crossing at Rowanty Creek in Virginia. Alongside First Lieutenant David Eastburn Buckingham, Smith swam across the freezing, ice-filled creek under enemy fire to establish a vital crossing point for his regiment after their leader was shot and taken to the rear.

His brave actions on that winter day in 1865 were officially recognized with the Congressional Medal of Honor, cementing his legacy as a Civil War hero. Following his military service, he returned to civilian life, practicing law and eventually entering public service as a mayor before his death.