Richard S. Smith
Bio
Richard “Dick” Smith enlisted in the U.S. Navy right out of high school. After his basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Base, the Navy cut back its numbers, sending him to an active reserve unit until the outbreak of the Korean War. While serving in Korea aboard the USS New Jersey as a radioman and machinist mate, his ship largely patrolled the east coast of the country with occasional trips along the west coast as part of the Spring and Summer Offensives. For his dedication and service, he received an American Defense Service Medal, a Korean Service Medal with two stars, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Good Conduct Ribbon, an Expert Battleman Medal, a US Korean War Service Medal, a ROK Service Medal, and a Korean Presidential Medal. He is proud to have served his country and the Korean people.
Video Clips
Patrolling the Coast of Wonsan
Richard S. Smith recalls his time ten months aboard the USS New Jersey. He shares it was largely spent patrolling the east coast of Korea around Wonsan and occasional trips up the west coast. He remembers a feeling of excitement about this experience as he knew he was well-trained and possessed the weapons to carry out his duties.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GpaAMk-uYQ&start=206&end=407
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Memories of the Korean War and Coming Home
Richard S. Smith does not recall any really difficult parts of the war, but he notes that this might be because he was such a young man at the time. He remembers there were times he was pretty scared, but he really does not count that as a difficulty. He concludes that the happiest time of his service was the coming home which included a trip through the Panama Canal and an awaiting soon-to-be bride.
Share YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GpaAMk-uYQ&start=465&end=606
Share from this page:
https://koreanwarlegacy.org/interviews/richard-s-smith#clip-2
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Photos
Richard Smith in front of palm trees
The Battle for the Battleships 1
The Battle for the Battleships 2
The Battle for the Battleships 3
The Battle for the Battleships 4
Description on "Charlie" Division - It is the "C" Division aboard the New Jersey that has as its job the efficient use and maintenance of all radio and teletype equipment used for communications.
