Fireman 1st Class Henry Smith served in the United States Navy in World War II Service started: 5 Sep 1942 Unit(s): USS Indianapolis (CA-35) Service ended: 30 Jul 1945
Fireman 1st Class Henry Smith was Killed in Action during World War II.
Henry Smith was awarded the Purple Heart.
Henry was born about 1925. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. James Joseph Smith.
Henry enlisted in the naval reserve on 5 Sep 1942, after training, he was stationed on the USS Indianapolis on 23 Nov 1942, where he served as Fireman 1st Class.[1]
In July 1945 the USS Indianapolis was sent on a secret mission to deliver the components of the Little Boy atomic bomb to Tinian Island without an escort, on the return trip, still without escort, it was attacked by a Japanese submarine. The USS Indianapolis sank in 12 minutes on 30 Jul 1945 with some 300 of the 1,195 crewmen aboard going down with the ship. With few lifeboats and many without life jackets, only 316 of the nearly 900 men set adrift survived the 4 days in shark infested water before rescue. Henry was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. The crew of the USS Indianapolis was later awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. [2][3][4]
Henry is honored at two memorials: USS Indianapolis National Memorial, Indianapolis, Marion, Indiana and Fort William Mckinley, Manila, Philippines.[5][6]
↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56774056/henry-august-smith: accessed 05 September 2023), memorial page for F1 Henry August Smith (1925–30 Jul 1945), Find a Grave Memorial ID 56774056, citing Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines; Maintained by IrishEyes (contributor 47644540).
↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/194064141/henry-august-smith: accessed 05 September 2023), memorial page for Henry August Smith (unknown–30 Jul 1945), Find a Grave Memorial ID 194064141, citing U.S.S. Indianapolis National Memorial, Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, USA; Maintained by Laura J. Stewart (contributor 47412616).
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