25 April 1942 Marriage in New London, Connecticut to Gloria Lagasse
Residence in 1935, Floyd County, Kentucky
1935-1936, Eastern Kentucky University
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, 0085293
Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1940
USS Grayback (SS-208) Submarine
Smitty was lost when the Grayback was sunk by Japanese aircraft on 26 February 1944 south of Okinawa.
CARTHEL HILL SMITH, JR. - Prestonsburg, Kentucky
Smitty
Forsaking college in Kentucky for a naval career, Smitty arrived at the Academy, a bundle of enthusiasm. Nor has he lost any of this valuable trait during the ensuing years; rather it has increased a hundred-fold in the aging. Whether at work or play, his whole heart is put into his efforts. When not engaged in long sessions with the books, Carthel has found time to become quite proficient at bowling, tennis, and bridge. Never one to shirk duty or refuse a request, his generosity has made him a friend to all. His inherent desire to get ahead, coupled with ability, predicts a successful future for Smitty.
Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING World War II
Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Division: U.S. Submarine
GENERAL ORDERS:
Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 78 (November 17, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Carthel Hill Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-85293), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of a United States Submarine in action against enemy Japanese forces during an aggressive War Patrol during World War II. Controlling the depth of his ship skillfully and with excellent judgment throughout this period of hazardous operations, Lieutenant Smith rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer in directing vigorous torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking and damaging of an important amount of enemy shipping, including an auxiliary cruiser and, by his unwavering perseverance and tireless efforts, contributed materially to the success of his vessel in executing effective evasive tactics during severe hostile countermeasures. Lieutenant Smith's cool courage and steadfast devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions were an inspiration to the officers and men of his submarine and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Carthel was declared dead on 12 January 1946.
In 2019 the USS Grayback was found in 1,400 feet of water near Okinawa.
25 April 1942 Marriage in New London, Connecticut to Gloria Lagasse
Residence in 1935, Floyd County, Kentucky
1935-1936, Eastern Kentucky University
Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, 0085293
Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1940
USS Grayback (SS-208) Submarine
Smitty was lost when the Grayback was sunk by Japanese aircraft on 26 February 1944 south of Okinawa.
CARTHEL HILL SMITH, JR. - Prestonsburg, Kentucky
Smitty
Forsaking college in Kentucky for a naval career, Smitty arrived at the Academy, a bundle of enthusiasm. Nor has he lost any of this valuable trait during the ensuing years; rather it has increased a hundred-fold in the aging. Whether at work or play, his whole heart is put into his efforts. When not engaged in long sessions with the books, Carthel has found time to become quite proficient at bowling, tennis, and bridge. Never one to shirk duty or refuse a request, his generosity has made him a friend to all. His inherent desire to get ahead, coupled with ability, predicts a successful future for Smitty.
Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING World War II
Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Division: U.S. Submarine
GENERAL ORDERS:
Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 78 (November 17, 1944)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Carthel Hill Smith, Jr. (NSN: 0-85293), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Diving Officer of a United States Submarine in action against enemy Japanese forces during an aggressive War Patrol during World War II. Controlling the depth of his ship skillfully and with excellent judgment throughout this period of hazardous operations, Lieutenant Smith rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer in directing vigorous torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking and damaging of an important amount of enemy shipping, including an auxiliary cruiser and, by his unwavering perseverance and tireless efforts, contributed materially to the success of his vessel in executing effective evasive tactics during severe hostile countermeasures. Lieutenant Smith's cool courage and steadfast devotion to duty under extremely perilous conditions were an inspiration to the officers and men of his submarine and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Carthel was declared dead on 12 January 1946.
In 2019 the USS Grayback was found in 1,400 feet of water near Okinawa.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Kentucky.
Family Members
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