Richard L. Smith

Era: World War II

Military Branch: Navy

Richard L. Smith served in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was based in the Philippines.

He landed on Samar, Philippines, on Christmas Eve. He was sent to Manila and subsequently to Subic Bay.

Mr. Smith worked aboard the USS Dewey (YFD-1), a floating Navy dry dock, before it was scuttled (intentionally flooded) in April 1942 to keep it out of enemy hands. Mr. Smith was assigned to a unit that repaired and painted submarines.

He held the rank of Fireman Recruit, working on aspects of the engineering and hull.

Mr. Smith was born in 1927. He is the son of Guy Smith.

Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran’s account (below);

“USS Dewey (YFD-1),” Wikipedia; “Seaman Recruit,” Wikipedia “I went ashore Christmas Eve in a landing craft on Samar, Philippines. Then to Manila and down to Subic Bay. I then went out to a floating dry dock. We repaired and painted submarines.”