This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Stacey Nelson (Bull / Stace)
to remember
Marine Col John Smith (Meat Ball Smitty).
If you knew or served with this Marine and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
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
Other Memories After receiving his Marine Corps commission, Colonel Smith was ordered to Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended the Marine Basic School.
Personal Details
