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Topic: Lt.(jg) Hamlin Smith |
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Nathaniel Smith
MASTER
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 Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 12:20pm
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My father was skipper of PT-154 from December 1942 until his boat was shelled in November 1943. He was lucky he survived ... as three crew members died that night ... he suffered fourteen shrapnel wounds that bothered him throughout his life. It is my guess, that of his original crew ... he is survived now only by his Radioman, Pat Rogers, RM1c.
As I have read all too often on this board ... "my father went on his last patrol" this morning.
Pictured below, my dad is standing at the wheel in typical PT Navy officer's uniform. When I was the age he was in this photograph ... I was still a kid. I can hardly image what it must have been like to be thrust into the amazingly difficult combat situations Solomon Islands PT Boats crews had to face nearly every day.
I have written a book in his honor about his time in the USNR, which can be viewed at:
http://www.blurb.com/b/3432431-pt-154
natsmith |
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PeterTareBuilder2
New Member
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Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 1:04pm
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My condolences on the loss of your father. Indeed it is hard for those who never experienced war to truly understand the immense sacrifice that those "Who went in Harm's Way" made so that we could sleep peacefully in our beds. Again, I offer my condolences.
Peter
"Give me a fast boat for we want to get out of harm's way too." |
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TGConnelly
MASTER
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Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 1:21pm
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| As well as mine. |
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Jerry Gilmartin
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 1:42pm
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Nathaniel,
Your father was truly a great man. I know all of us here on this message board have benefited greatly from your sharing with us his story and numerous photos and details about the boats. Thank you for that and Thank You to your Dad for his service to our country. We will all be poorer for his passing. May he rest in peace....
Jerry Gilmartin PT658 Portland
Jerry Gilmartin |
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CJ Willis
New Member
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Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 1:46pm
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Our prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. We PT Vets are dwindling. Take Care,
C. J. Willis |
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TED WALTHER
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 1:57pm
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Nat;
My prayers are with you and your family. I will E-mail you off line.
TED
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 3:20pm
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Nat,:
I am so sorry to hear this News. I am sure that you are so very proud of everything he did. Please take comfort my friend, that very soon your Dad will be reunited with his crew, taking the wheel once again of PT-154. He will slowly throw the throttles forward, watching those RPM and Manifold Pressure gauges begin to rise, as he takes her for a flat out run across the clouds.................
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Nathaniel Smith
MASTER
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Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 3:27pm
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Words to dream about ... I am enjoying the vision your words inspire.
natsmith |
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Drew Cook
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 3:29pm
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Nat,
I sure am sorry. My condolences.
-- Drew
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Will Day
New Member
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Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 4:32pm
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FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS. . .
Will |
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