Six Iowa Brothers in Service

SMITH

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 1/16/2010 at 18:36:18

The Des Moines Register; Thurs., April 19, 1945

GRINNELL, IA -- When Gene F. Smith, 17, left last month to train as an apprentice seaman at Great Lakes, Ill., he was the sixth son of Mr. and Mrs. George Smith of Grinnell to enter the services. Five of the sons are in the navy, one in the army. All six enlisted.

Sgt. George Smith, jr., 24, is with an army air force ground crew in France. On Pacific duty 23 months, Neil Smith, 23, aviation machinist's mate second class, recently reported to Crow's Landing, Cal., after a 15-day leave at home. Lyle Smith, 21, a baker third class in the navy, has been serving in the Pacific for two years.

Max Smith, 28, seaman first class, is on Guam, according to latest word received by his parents. He is married and the father of a 2-year-old daughter. Kenneth Smith, 34, seaman first class with the navy armed guard, is on Pacific duty. He is married and the father of three daughters.

NOTE: Original newspaper article included photos of the six brothers, in uniform, and entitled "Score: Army, 1; Navy, 5."