USS SLC...Enlisted Navy...Robert George Smith, CBM
Robert G. Smith "Smitty" passed away on November 23, 1993
5 Aug 2001
Hi, Sandy,
I believe Smitty joined the Navy in 1937, and was stationed on the USS
West Virginia until November, 1941. He was on the West Virginia's boxing
team.
It was probably late November, 1941, when Smitty was transferred to the
USS Salt Lake City. He remained aboard the SLC until WW-2 ended.
The above photo was taken in 1945 while he was on leave from the SLC. His
home town was Maywood, California
When Smitty graduated from Bell, Ca. High School, he and his best friend,
Hal Smith, decided to join the Navy. Hal was accepted, but Smitty was 1/2"
too short.
Hal's father was a doctor, and he spent a month "stretching" Smitty. It
worked! When he returned to the recruiting office, he passed the physical
and was 1/4" over the minimum height.
I remember hearing Smitty say what he thought about the Japanese sailors
(Prior to Pearl Harbor), but that would not be politically correct today.
Thanks for the great Web Site on the SLC. You are doing a fantastic job!
I bet when you get to Heaven, the USS SLC crew will throw one hell of a
party for you to show their appreciation!
Keep up the good work, Sandy.
Cousin...
George R. Middlestetter
Received Award
#9 in Un-named Group, Nov. 1943
#1 in 2nd Division, Jan. 1945
SLC Deck Log Feb. 1943
Veteran of the USS West Virginia BB-48 Battleship until Nov. 1941
Awards Check Off List, 1947
http://www.usswestvirginia.org/default.htm
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