IN UNIFORM.
Marine S. Sgt. Richard L. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Blaine M. Smith, 2833 Chambers street, was a turret gunner on an Avenger which crashed into the ocean 10 miles off a Marine base in the western Carolines. The plane was carrying depth charges and full wing tanks when it crashed and the three-man crew feared an explosion. The explosion came, but not until after the fliers were in their life raft several hundred yards from the wrecked plane. The trio later was picked up by a destroyer.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, February 22, 1945
