 Smith's platoon was one of three platoons tasked to capture Pegasus Bridge before the main assault on the Normandy beaches began.On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Smith's platoon was in the 3rd Glider to land at Pegasus Bridge, landing at 00.18hrs.He received a knee injury on landing however he and his No 3 platoon crossed the bridge and established defensive positions to reinforce Lieutenant Den Brotheridge's No 1 Platoon.