Melvin T. Smith 1943 Melvin T, Smith 1996 NATIONAL SUBMARINE DAY - April 11th

Submarine Stories of World War II by Mary Nida Smith. Melvin T. Smith, STC (SS) USN-RET a native of Northwest Arkansas breaks his silents to shared his story aboard the USS Snapper (SS-185) in 1943 while on War Patrol. He was assigned Sound and Radar Watch under the watchful eyes of Captain W.W. Walker. Later, he was rated Soundman 3rd Class-Radioman Striker. Smith was there in 1945 when the USS Snapper was decomissioned. He was assigned to the following boats: USS Quillback (SS-424), USS Sennet (SS-408), USS Sea Fox (SS-402), and the USS Sea Leopard (SS-483). He was also assigned to check the Sonar on the German U-boats' U-505, U-2513 and U=3008 after they were brought to the states as valued prizes of World War II. The U-505 is displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Illinois. In-beween serving on submarines Smith joined the Navy's HS-7 Anti-Submarine Squadron for five years earning his "Wings." Before retiring from the USS Navy he spent two years as a Navy Recruiter at Ontario, Oregon. He is a member of the Holland Club, a plank owning member of the Twin Lakes Base USSVI, Mountain Home, AR, and Submarine Veterans of World War II.

Submarine Stories of World War II by Mary Nida Smith. To order send $12.00 plus $2.00 postage to 162 Stamford Drive, Lakeview, AR 72642