This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Stacey Nelson (Bull / Stace)
to remember
Marine Col John Smith (Meat Ball Smitty).
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Last Known Activity:
He retired from the Marine Corps on September 1, 1960, after which he worked in the defense industry.
Sadly, despondent over being laid-off from his position during a slowdown, he took his own life on June 9, 1972 and was buried in Section 3 of Arlington National Cemetery.
Colonel John Lucian Smith, Medal of Honor recipient and Marine Corps ace who shot down 19 Japanese planes in World War II, died June 10, 1972 at Encino, California.
Other Comments:
The colonel was also awarded Britain's Distinguished Service Order "for conspicuous gallantry and distinguished service?" in the Solomons.
Col Smith, You are forever in my prayers... God bless, you and yours, and those like you always... Semper Fidelis
Guadalcanal Campaign (1942-43)/Battle of Eastern Solomons (Stewart Island)
From Month/Year
August / 1942
To Month/Year
August / 1942
Description The naval Battle of the Eastern Solomons (also known as the Battle of the Stewart Islands and, in Japanese sources, as the Second Battle of the Solomon Sea) took place on 24–25 August 1942, and was the third carrier battle of the Pacific campaign of World War II and the second major engagement fought between the United States Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy during the Guadalcanal Campaign. As at the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway, the ships of the two adversaries were never within sight of each other. Instead, all attacks were carried out by carrier-based or land-based aircraft.
After several damaging air attacks, the naval surface combatants from both America and Japan withdrew from the battle area without either side securing a clear victory. However, the U.S. and its allies gained tactical and strategic advantage. Japan's losses were greater and included dozens of aircraft and their experienced aircrews. Also, Japanese reinforcements intended for Guadalcanal were delayed and eventually delivered by warships rather than transport ships, giving the Allies more time to prepare for the Japanese counteroffensive and preventing the Japanese from landing heavy artillery, ammunition, and other supplies.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
August / 1942
To Month/Year
August / 1942
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
People You Remember The Three Flying Fools of Guadacanal - Smith, Gates and Carl. Among them, they had shot down forty-six Japanese planes when they were decorated by Admiral Nimitz. Major John Lucian Smith, Major Robert E. Galer, Captain Marion E. Carl, USMC
Memories During the crucial battle for the Solomons, he led Marine Fighter Squadron 223 on sorties against the enemy, during which the squadron accounted for 83 enemy aircraft destroyed.
While on temporary duty in Washington after his return from the Pacific, he was awarded and presented the Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on 24 February 1943.
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