A sign, signed by supporters, is seen at a Lee Highway memorial for victims of the July, 16 shootings on Saturday, July 18, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. U.S. Navy Petty Officer Randall Smith died Saturday from wounds sustained when gunman Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez shot and killed four U.S. Marines and wounded two others and a Chattanooga police officer at the Naval Operational Support Center on Amnicola Highway shortly after firing into the Armed Forces Career Center on Lee Highway.
The Navy will hold a ceremony Thursday to posthumously award the Purple Heart to U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith, who died following the July 16 attacks.
The ceremony will be a private event for Smith's family, according to a news release from the Navy. A spokeswoman for the Navy would not confirm the location of the ceremony.
"Both before and after the attack on the Navy Operational Support Center in Chattanooga, the people of Chattanooga, southeast Tennessee and North Georgia have demonstrated a commitment and devotion to our sailors that is both extraordinary and very much appreciated. The support of this community, in fact, can be credited with helping make the awarding of the Purple Heart possible," the Navy said in a statement.
