Richard K Smith 1920-1942

SMITH

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/3/2013 at 17:17:51

Sioux City Journal
31 January 1946

Sgt. Richard Smith Loses Life in Java Sea Action

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Smith, former residents of Sioux City, now living at Palo Alto, Cal., have received official confirmation of the death of their son, S. Sgt. Richard K. Smith, who was reported missing in action in the battle of the Java sea, February 27, 1942.

S. Sgt. Smith, American air forces, was aboard the aircraft carrier U. S. S. Langly when it was struek and sunk. in the Java sea. Sgt. Smith was among the survivors picked up by the destroyer U. S. S. Edsall, which was bombed and sunk 18 hours later. None of the crew has been found, according to the letter received by Sgt. Smith's parents from the war department.

Sgt. Smith was born in Sioux City, May 23, 1920, where he attended public schools, graduating from Central high school in January, 1939. He enlisted in the air forces in December, 1939, at Moffett field, Cal.: On January 11, 1942, he left Hamilton field for duty in the Pacific.

Mrs. G. D. Weddle, 1956 Nash street, and Mrs. Garrett Grosma, 5221 Military road are aunts of Sgt. Smith. A sister, Mrs. Helen Foreman, lives in Palo Alto.