 Mrs. Martha Smith, 332
Central avenue was notified by telegram Sunday
that her son Elmer Alvin Smith, 24, machinist
mate first class in the United States Navy is
missing following action in the line of duty. The telegram which came
from the Navy Department, said: “The Navy
Department deeply regrets to inform you that your
son, Elmer Alvin Smith, machinist first class is
missing following action in the performance of
his duty and in the service of his country.”
“The
department appreciates your great anxiety but
details not now available and delay in receiving
thereof must necessarily be expected.”
The telegram
requested Mrs. Smith not to divulge the name of
the ship upon which her son served, nor his
station, in order not to provide information of
value to the enemy.
Smith, who had
been in the Navy for seven years, is one of three
service sons of Mrs. Smith. The others are John,
who is with the U.S. Army in New Caledonia and
Robert, in training with the U.S. Navy. All three
enlisted.
Mrs. Smith last
heard from Elmer in a brief note written aboard
ship in July.
Elmer has three
sisters, Mrs. Chris VonHamme, 117 Vandalia street
, Mrs. Orville Eaton, 336 Central avenue, and
Miss Gertrude Smith at home, and another brother,
Edward Smith, Highland Place.
Note:
*Memorialized on the Missing in Action Tablets at
Manila American Cemetery - Manila, Philippines
|
ELMER SMITH
IS MISSING
