Smith was a Chief Electrician Mate who served in the SLC for several years, and was transferred to Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in late 1943 [records show he was transferred on March 17th, 1942], when the SLC was in the states for repairs. He was drafted to put a Fleet Tug in commission in Dec 1943 at the United Engineering Shipyard, Alameda, California. He was in a state of shock for several weeks after we went in commission; our main battery was only a single 3" gun.

Smith was beyond a doubt, the best Chief I ever had the privilege of serving with; there may have been better electricians, but there was never a better Chief Petty Officer.

He stayed with the USS Panaka (ATF-108) until after the war, at which time I became his relief in the Pakana. While we were at Okinawa, Capt Zacharias, who commanded the SLC earlier, thought so highly of Chief Smith, that borrowed an Admiral's Barge for transportation, and visited Chief Smith in the Chief's quarters for about an hour ... Capt Zacharias later delivered the "you better surrender terms to the Japanese" and in their own language.

Chief Smith was born in Parma, MO ... if you have any clue as to where he might be, Please let me know ... because of Smitty, I made a career of my service in the Navy and retired after twenty-six years as a LCDR. He taught me well! Aloha, George

George Davis