William Franklin Smothers, Jr (S/N 575 83 54) enlisted 02 June 1943 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was assigned to the minesweeper YMS-48 and first received on board on 07 January 1944. He was promoted to Seaman 1st Class on 01 June 1944 and promoted to Ships Cook 3rd Class on 01 September 1944.
The “U.S.S. YMS-48 was sunk by enemy action on Valentine's Day, 14 February 1945 at approximately 1500 item time in position 14-24.5 N. latitude, 120-33.5 E. longitude at the entrance to North Channel between Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor Island in 12 fathoms of water, visibility excellent, sea 0, wind 1, NE, while proceeding on true course 075°, acting as guide for minesweeping Unit III of TG 78.3.” Ships Cook 3rd Class William Franklin Smothers, Jr., USNR along with another enlisted man and one officer were reported seriously wounded and they went “Missing in Action” as a result of the “sinking of USS YMS-48 due to enemy action”. None of the three bodies were recovered.
“My Dad, Len Nielsen, was a crewman aboard the YMS-48 when it was hit off Corregidor on Valentine's Day 1945. He was a Seaman First Class, Gunners Mate, and his job was loading the single forward 3-inch/48 rifle. His good friend Bill Smothers was killed during this attack. Bill was the ship's cook, and his battle station was passing the 3-inch shells up from the ammo magazine next to the galley to the crew on deck. He was killed when a Japanese shell exploded in the galley. They had been sweeping the channel between Corregidor and Bataan Peninsula when they were shelled." Conrad Nielsen, Honolulu, Hawaii.
U.S.S. YMS-48 - Valentine's Day, 14 February 1945
The minesweepers “proceeded on true course 025° from area Mabel to area Helen to sweep the latter area for moored and acoustic mines clearing North Channel to Manila Bay, P.I. The unit was ordered to sweep in starboard echelon formation, YMS-48 in lead. Upon arriving at NW corner area Helen course was changed to 075°T, speed 8 knots. First shot from enemy batteries on Corregidor was fired at approximately 1350 falling 150 yards short. Due to dust and smoke concealed batteries were invisible to lookouts. Sharp watch was kept for next revealing smoke puffs which showed several gun positions about 40-50 feet above water. Eight rounds rapid fire followed, six scoring direct hits on this ship. This vessel’s 3” main armament was knocked out of action and she was afire forward after third direct hit. Magazines were flooded, a voice radio message for assistance was transmitted to CTG 78.3, and a warning to MS Unit III to stand clear of area. Maneuvering tactics were attempted until propulsion engines and steering failed…Ship lay dead in water for about one minute until manual control could be established. YMS-8 attempted covering fire until forced to withdraw after taking shell hit. After the sixth direct hit all power failed, emergency firefighting gear was destroyed, entire midship section and four ammunition ready boxes were afire. Nothing further could be done for the ship without assistance. To avoid additional personnel casualties the order was given to abandon ship at approximately 1405. Number 4 life raft was lowered. Rafts #1 and #2 were burning. After all hands had abandoned ship two more shells struck adding to fires aft. U.S.S. HOPEWELL (DD-681) approached to pick up survivors. She was hit amidships by same batteries and retired. Three of the most seriously wounded men were put aboard life raft. Small arms fire was directed as survivors from Bataan shore and orders were given to spread out making less conspicuous targets. A strong tidal current was carrying all survivors toward enemy held positions on Bataan. About 45 minutes later after our aircraft had laid smoke between survivors and Corregidor, U.S.S. FLETCHER (DD-445), approached to pick up survivors at the same time shelling the Jap batteries. As survivors were being recovered U.S.S. FLETCHER poured 40mm fire into YMS-48 at water line and sunk her. All hands in water and afloat were rescued. One (1) officer (Ens. Harold C. Forsberg) and two (2) men (S2 William R. Sheets and SC3 William F. Smothers, Jr) reported seriously wounded were not recovered.” H. A. KAISER Commanding Officer, U.S.S. YMS-48.
Source: WWII War Diaries - USS YMS-48 - Rep of loss from enemy gun fire on Corregidor Is, Luzon Is, Philippines 2/14/45, pages 1 and 2.
The “U.S.S. YMS-48 was sunk by enemy action on Valentine's Day, 14 February 1945 at approximately 1500 item time in position 14-24.5 N. latitude, 120-33.5 E. longitude at the entrance to North Channel between Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor Island in 12 fathoms of water, visibility excellent, sea 0, wind 1, NE, while proceeding on true course 075°, acting as guide for minesweeping Unit III of TG 78.3.” Ships Cook 3rd Class William Franklin Smothers, Jr., USNR along with another enlisted man and one officer were reported seriously wounded and they went “Missing in Action” as a result of the “sinking of USS YMS-48 due to enemy action”. None of the three bodies were recovered.
“My Dad, Len Nielsen, was a crewman aboard the YMS-48 when it was hit off Corregidor on Valentine's Day 1945. He was a Seaman First Class, Gunners Mate, and his job was loading the single forward 3-inch/48 rifle. His good friend Bill Smothers was killed during this attack. Bill was the ship's cook, and his battle station was passing the 3-inch shells up from the ammo magazine next to the galley to the crew on deck. He was killed when a Japanese shell exploded in the galley. They had been sweeping the channel between Corregidor and Bataan Peninsula when they were shelled." Conrad Nielsen, Honolulu, Hawaii.
U.S.S. YMS-48 - Valentine's Day, 14 February 1945
The minesweepers “proceeded on true course 025° from area Mabel to area Helen to sweep the latter area for moored and acoustic mines clearing North Channel to Manila Bay, P.I. The unit was ordered to sweep in starboard echelon formation, YMS-48 in lead. Upon arriving at NW corner area Helen course was changed to 075°T, speed 8 knots. First shot from enemy batteries on Corregidor was fired at approximately 1350 falling 150 yards short. Due to dust and smoke concealed batteries were invisible to lookouts. Sharp watch was kept for next revealing smoke puffs which showed several gun positions about 40-50 feet above water. Eight rounds rapid fire followed, six scoring direct hits on this ship. This vessel’s 3” main armament was knocked out of action and she was afire forward after third direct hit. Magazines were flooded, a voice radio message for assistance was transmitted to CTG 78.3, and a warning to MS Unit III to stand clear of area. Maneuvering tactics were attempted until propulsion engines and steering failed…Ship lay dead in water for about one minute until manual control could be established. YMS-8 attempted covering fire until forced to withdraw after taking shell hit. After the sixth direct hit all power failed, emergency firefighting gear was destroyed, entire midship section and four ammunition ready boxes were afire. Nothing further could be done for the ship without assistance. To avoid additional personnel casualties the order was given to abandon ship at approximately 1405. Number 4 life raft was lowered. Rafts #1 and #2 were burning. After all hands had abandoned ship two more shells struck adding to fires aft. U.S.S. HOPEWELL (DD-681) approached to pick up survivors. She was hit amidships by same batteries and retired. Three of the most seriously wounded men were put aboard life raft. Small arms fire was directed as survivors from Bataan shore and orders were given to spread out making less conspicuous targets. A strong tidal current was carrying all survivors toward enemy held positions on Bataan. About 45 minutes later after our aircraft had laid smoke between survivors and Corregidor, U.S.S. FLETCHER (DD-445), approached to pick up survivors at the same time shelling the Jap batteries. As survivors were being recovered U.S.S. FLETCHER poured 40mm fire into YMS-48 at water line and sunk her. All hands in water and afloat were rescued. One (1) officer (Ens. Harold C. Forsberg) and two (2) men (S2 William R. Sheets and SC3 William F. Smothers, Jr) reported seriously wounded were not recovered.” H. A. KAISER Commanding Officer, U.S.S. YMS-48.
Source: WWII War Diaries - USS YMS-48 - Rep of loss from enemy gun fire on Corregidor Is, Luzon Is, Philippines 2/14/45, pages 1 and 2.
William Franklin Smothers, Jr (S/N 575 83 54) enlisted 02 June 1943 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was assigned to the minesweeper YMS-48 and first received on board on 07 January 1944. He was promoted to Seaman 1st Class on 01 June 1944 and promoted to Ships Cook 3rd Class on 01 September 1944.
The “U.S.S. YMS-48 was sunk by enemy action on Valentine's Day, 14 February 1945 at approximately 1500 item time in position 14-24.5 N. latitude, 120-33.5 E. longitude at the entrance to North Channel between Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor Island in 12 fathoms of water, visibility excellent, sea 0, wind 1, NE, while proceeding on true course 075°, acting as guide for minesweeping Unit III of TG 78.3.” Ships Cook 3rd Class William Franklin Smothers, Jr., USNR along with another enlisted man and one officer were reported seriously wounded and they went “Missing in Action” as a result of the “sinking of USS YMS-48 due to enemy action”. None of the three bodies were recovered.
“My Dad, Len Nielsen, was a crewman aboard the YMS-48 when it was hit off Corregidor on Valentine's Day 1945. He was a Seaman First Class, Gunners Mate, and his job was loading the single forward 3-inch/48 rifle. His good friend Bill Smothers was killed during this attack. Bill was the ship's cook, and his battle station was passing the 3-inch shells up from the ammo magazine next to the galley to the crew on deck. He was killed when a Japanese shell exploded in the galley. They had been sweeping the channel between Corregidor and Bataan Peninsula when they were shelled." Conrad Nielsen, Honolulu, Hawaii.
U.S.S. YMS-48 - Valentine's Day, 14 February 1945
The minesweepers “proceeded on true course 025° from area Mabel to area Helen to sweep the latter area for moored and acoustic mines clearing North Channel to Manila Bay, P.I. The unit was ordered to sweep in starboard echelon formation, YMS-48 in lead. Upon arriving at NW corner area Helen course was changed to 075°T, speed 8 knots. First shot from enemy batteries on Corregidor was fired at approximately 1350 falling 150 yards short. Due to dust and smoke concealed batteries were invisible to lookouts. Sharp watch was kept for next revealing smoke puffs which showed several gun positions about 40-50 feet above water. Eight rounds rapid fire followed, six scoring direct hits on this ship. This vessel’s 3” main armament was knocked out of action and she was afire forward after third direct hit. Magazines were flooded, a voice radio message for assistance was transmitted to CTG 78.3, and a warning to MS Unit III to stand clear of area. Maneuvering tactics were attempted until propulsion engines and steering failed…Ship lay dead in water for about one minute until manual control could be established. YMS-8 attempted covering fire until forced to withdraw after taking shell hit. After the sixth direct hit all power failed, emergency firefighting gear was destroyed, entire midship section and four ammunition ready boxes were afire. Nothing further could be done for the ship without assistance. To avoid additional personnel casualties the order was given to abandon ship at approximately 1405. Number 4 life raft was lowered. Rafts #1 and #2 were burning. After all hands had abandoned ship two more shells struck adding to fires aft. U.S.S. HOPEWELL (DD-681) approached to pick up survivors. She was hit amidships by same batteries and retired. Three of the most seriously wounded men were put aboard life raft. Small arms fire was directed as survivors from Bataan shore and orders were given to spread out making less conspicuous targets. A strong tidal current was carrying all survivors toward enemy held positions on Bataan. About 45 minutes later after our aircraft had laid smoke between survivors and Corregidor, U.S.S. FLETCHER (DD-445), approached to pick up survivors at the same time shelling the Jap batteries. As survivors were being recovered U.S.S. FLETCHER poured 40mm fire into YMS-48 at water line and sunk her. All hands in water and afloat were rescued. One (1) officer (Ens. Harold C. Forsberg) and two (2) men (S2 William R. Sheets and SC3 William F. Smothers, Jr) reported seriously wounded were not recovered.” H. A. KAISER Commanding Officer, U.S.S. YMS-48.
Source: WWII War Diaries - USS YMS-48 - Rep of loss from enemy gun fire on Corregidor Is, Luzon Is, Philippines 2/14/45, pages 1 and 2.
The “U.S.S. YMS-48 was sunk by enemy action on Valentine's Day, 14 February 1945 at approximately 1500 item time in position 14-24.5 N. latitude, 120-33.5 E. longitude at the entrance to North Channel between Bataan Peninsula and Corregidor Island in 12 fathoms of water, visibility excellent, sea 0, wind 1, NE, while proceeding on true course 075°, acting as guide for minesweeping Unit III of TG 78.3.” Ships Cook 3rd Class William Franklin Smothers, Jr., USNR along with another enlisted man and one officer were reported seriously wounded and they went “Missing in Action” as a result of the “sinking of USS YMS-48 due to enemy action”. None of the three bodies were recovered.
“My Dad, Len Nielsen, was a crewman aboard the YMS-48 when it was hit off Corregidor on Valentine's Day 1945. He was a Seaman First Class, Gunners Mate, and his job was loading the single forward 3-inch/48 rifle. His good friend Bill Smothers was killed during this attack. Bill was the ship's cook, and his battle station was passing the 3-inch shells up from the ammo magazine next to the galley to the crew on deck. He was killed when a Japanese shell exploded in the galley. They had been sweeping the channel between Corregidor and Bataan Peninsula when they were shelled." Conrad Nielsen, Honolulu, Hawaii.
U.S.S. YMS-48 - Valentine's Day, 14 February 1945
The minesweepers “proceeded on true course 025° from area Mabel to area Helen to sweep the latter area for moored and acoustic mines clearing North Channel to Manila Bay, P.I. The unit was ordered to sweep in starboard echelon formation, YMS-48 in lead. Upon arriving at NW corner area Helen course was changed to 075°T, speed 8 knots. First shot from enemy batteries on Corregidor was fired at approximately 1350 falling 150 yards short. Due to dust and smoke concealed batteries were invisible to lookouts. Sharp watch was kept for next revealing smoke puffs which showed several gun positions about 40-50 feet above water. Eight rounds rapid fire followed, six scoring direct hits on this ship. This vessel’s 3” main armament was knocked out of action and she was afire forward after third direct hit. Magazines were flooded, a voice radio message for assistance was transmitted to CTG 78.3, and a warning to MS Unit III to stand clear of area. Maneuvering tactics were attempted until propulsion engines and steering failed…Ship lay dead in water for about one minute until manual control could be established. YMS-8 attempted covering fire until forced to withdraw after taking shell hit. After the sixth direct hit all power failed, emergency firefighting gear was destroyed, entire midship section and four ammunition ready boxes were afire. Nothing further could be done for the ship without assistance. To avoid additional personnel casualties the order was given to abandon ship at approximately 1405. Number 4 life raft was lowered. Rafts #1 and #2 were burning. After all hands had abandoned ship two more shells struck adding to fires aft. U.S.S. HOPEWELL (DD-681) approached to pick up survivors. She was hit amidships by same batteries and retired. Three of the most seriously wounded men were put aboard life raft. Small arms fire was directed as survivors from Bataan shore and orders were given to spread out making less conspicuous targets. A strong tidal current was carrying all survivors toward enemy held positions on Bataan. About 45 minutes later after our aircraft had laid smoke between survivors and Corregidor, U.S.S. FLETCHER (DD-445), approached to pick up survivors at the same time shelling the Jap batteries. As survivors were being recovered U.S.S. FLETCHER poured 40mm fire into YMS-48 at water line and sunk her. All hands in water and afloat were rescued. One (1) officer (Ens. Harold C. Forsberg) and two (2) men (S2 William R. Sheets and SC3 William F. Smothers, Jr) reported seriously wounded were not recovered.” H. A. KAISER Commanding Officer, U.S.S. YMS-48.
Source: WWII War Diaries - USS YMS-48 - Rep of loss from enemy gun fire on Corregidor Is, Luzon Is, Philippines 2/14/45, pages 1 and 2.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from South Carolina.
Family Members
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