SMITH, Robert

SMITH

Posted By: Nancy (email)
Date: 2/13/2003 at 22:26:26

June 7, 1945. Morning Sun News Herald. I am not related and have no further information.

Robert Smith Missing in Action
Serving on Destroyer Luce at Okinawa

Robert Smith SC 3-c, serving on the destroyer Luce off Okinawa, is officially reported missing in action according to word received here by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Smith. The Luce was sunk by enemy action, together with the destroyer Morrison.

Bob enlisted in the navy two and a half years ago and took his boot training at Farragut, Idaho. He has been on duty in Pacific waters for two years.

A brother, Orval Smith Y 1-_, is attending naval school at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

July 19, 1945 Morning Sun News Herald on the front page. The article is accompanied by a photograph.

Robert Smith Reported Killed in Action.
Hope Abandoned for Many Previously reported Missing.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smith have received official word from the navy department stating that no hope could be held out that their son, Robert M. Smith, SC 3-c USN, could have survived the sinking of his ship off Okinawa. Bob had been previously reported mission in action, but further official word did not come until Tuesday.

The full text of the navy department telegram is given below:

Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Smith
Morning Sun, Iowa

I deeply regret to inform you that a careful review of all facts available relating to the disappearance of your son, Robert Milton Smith, Ships Cook third class, USN, previously reported missing leads to the conclusion that there is no hope for his survival and that he lost his life as a result of enemy action on 4, May, 1945 while in the service of his country. If further details are received they will be forwarded to you promptly. To prevent possible aid to our enemies, please do not divulge the name of his ship or station unless the general circumstances are made public in news stories. Sincerest sympathy is extended to you in your great loss.

Vice Adm. Randall Jacobs,
The Chief of Naval Personnel