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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: Lt.(jg) Hamlin Smith
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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:
[url]http://www.blurb.com/b/3432431-pt-154[/url]

[image]http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p249/ptboats/Nathaniel%20Smith/PT154-9.jpg[/image]

natsmith

Posted By: Nathaniel Smith | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 12:20pm
Total Posts: 211 | Joined: Jan 19, 2008 - 6:55am



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."

Posted By: PeterTareBuilder2 | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 1:04pm
Total Posts: 204 | Joined: Dec 8, 2012 - 6:03pm



As well as mine.

Posted By: TGConnelly | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 1:21pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered



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

Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 1:42pm
Total Posts: 1469 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm



Our prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. We PT Vets are dwindling. Take Care,

C. J. Willis

Posted By: CJ Willis | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 1:46pm
Total Posts: 464 | Joined: Nov 5, 2006 - 5:02pm



Nat;
My prayers are with you and your family. I will E-mail you off line.
TED



Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 1:57pm
Total Posts: 3058 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am



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.................



Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 3:20pm
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am



Words to dream about ... I am enjoying the vision your words inspire.

natsmith

Posted By: Nathaniel Smith | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 3:27pm
Total Posts: 211 | Joined: Jan 19, 2008 - 6:55am



Nat,

I sure am sorry. My condolences.

-- Drew



Posted By: Drew Cook | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 3:29pm
Total Posts: 1306 | Joined: Oct 19, 2006 - 10:44am



FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS. . .

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 4:32pm
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm



Nat,

Our prayers are with you and your family.



Steve

Posted By: Nuge210 | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 5:37pm
Total Posts: 323 | Joined: Jun 4, 2008 - 7:50am



nathaniel/ please accept my prayers and condolences to you and your family.
your father served us all well and now it is time for him to join his crew again
to be at peace and stand at the helm again,there is no doubt that he will always have smooth sailing tyjru he heavens. GOD BLESS
earl

earl richmond

Posted By: EARL RICHMOND | Posted on: Feb 1, 2013 - 7:50pm
Total Posts: 319 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 1:50pm



I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing Nat. Rest in peace Hamlin.




Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Feb 2, 2013 - 5:31am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am