Russell C. Smith
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Air Force
Russell C. Smith entered the Army Air Corps on June 2, 1943, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Home at entry: Hibbing, Minnesota.
He served as a Corporal and truck driver with the 98th Bombardment Squadron of the Seventh Air Force.
Mr. Smith shared the following: "Departed for overseas in August 1944. Arrived at Hickam Field, Hawaii, for placement. Ordered to Guam to join the Seventh Air Force. From Guam I went to Okinawa and was stationed there when the atom bomb was dropped on Japan. Also, while on Okinawa, experienced the typhoon of 1945."
He participated in the Air Offensive Japan, Eastern Mandates, Western Pacific, and Ryukyu Islands campaigns.
He received the following: Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, and two overseas service bars.
He was honorably discharged January 16, 1946, at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 300.
