Obituary of George H. Smith

George Hugh Smith, a proud and honorable man, passed away on March 15, 2012, surrounded by family and dear friends. He was born February 11, 1917, and was a retired Chief Warrant Officer in the US Navy. Mr. Smith was originally from Henderson County, Illinois. He was a Veteran of both WWII and the Korean War and was a Pearl Harbor Survivor. He made eight war patrols in the Pacific Theater on board a submarine during WWII. During the Korean War, while serving on board the submarine USS Redfish, he received an appointment to Warrant Officer. His duties then consisted of Engineering Officer on board a submarine rescue ship. He spent two years at the Mare Island California Naval Shipyard as a Machinery Repair Officer on board the submarine tender USS Sperry AS-12. His next assignment was a tour of duty at the Naval Air Engineering Center in Philadelphia, PA. His next assignment was a Division Officer on the USS Spiegle Grove LSD-32. A short time later, due to an injury, he was admitted to the Philadelphia Naval Hospital, from which he retired from the Navy in 1962. After leaving active duty in the Navy, Mr. Smith worked for the Naval Air Engineering Center until final retirement. During his military career, he received a number of medals and decorations, including the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Star, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Pearl Harbor Survivor Medallion. Mr. Smith was a member of numerous fraternal organizations and clubs, Sons of the American Revolution, American Battleship Association, Submarine Veterans of WWII, Military Officers Association of America, Masonic Lodge, VFW, American Legion, Navy League, The National Rifle Association, and the United States Submarine League. Mr. Smith was a graduate of the Brookhaven Citizen Police Academy for 13 years with perfect attendance. Never forgetting his quote "Farmer Logic" he always made time for gardening, skilled carpentry, family and friends. Mr.Smith was predeceased by his wife, Shirley in 1993, and his son William Hugh, in 1952. SURVIVORS 2 loving and devoted daughters: Patty Stillwell of Media, Debbie Gallagher of Naples, FL 2 loving grandchildren: Becky Stillwell of Morgantown, WV, and Joshua Gallagher, of Aston, PA Brother: Herb Smith of Berlington, IA