I am looking for shipmates of Jack C Smith,who were in the Armed Guard during action in the harbor of Palermo,Sicily, July 11-12, 1943. Even though only two days were listed the Letter of Commendation stated this lasted four days, and later in August, 1943, enroute to Gibraltar, the ship was attacked by 25 German planes and the gun crew was credited with shooting down four German planes. Jack was nominated for the Bronze Star for this and other actions. Three people who served with him were Lloyd Register, of Graceville, Fl, Edgar Virtcher, and Mac MacMillian. Smith, Register, and McMillan are deceased. Mac's wife's name was Marie (now deceased), Smith's wife's name is Virgie, and Register's wife is named Bonnie. Jack later went on to serve in the Merchant Marines and served on the Sinclair Opaline, SS Vicksburg, and a number of ships for the Lykes Lines. I wonder if anyone has any further info. I am especially interested in the name of a magazine which published a description of the Sicily incident with the title "To the Shores of Sicily" authored by Lt. Blair Walliser, United States Coast Guard Reserve. I have pages 25-26 of the magazine, but no name of the magazine. Jack may have gone by the nickname "Red' because he had red hair. He was from Bluff Springs, Fl, and it doesn't even exist anymore as a mailing address. Anu info you have would be appreciated.
Re: SS Ezra Meeker
Posted by greg martin on January 21, 2016, 1:59 pm, in reply to "SS Ezra Meeker"
My dad, still alive, was on the Ezra Meeker after Salerno. He was on the SS John Howard Payne. He may have served with Jack on the Meeker later.
Re: SS Ezra Meeker
Posted by GREG MARTIN on December 7, 2011, 3:49 pm, in reply to "SS Ezra Meeker"
I am looking for a crew list on the Ezra Meeker after the Sicily invasion. My dad was on the John Howard Payne during that time but sometime after October of 43, her was put on the Ezra Meeker so it is possible they were shipmates if your dad stayed on the Meeker.
Re: SS Ezra Meeker
Posted by J Smith on December 7, 2011, 7:40 pm, in reply to "Re: SS Ezra Meeker"
The person was my late brother, Jack C Smith. I will check the paperwork I have and see if I have a roster. I don't think I do. I do have the names of a few of the men with whom my brother served and will get back with you shortly. Jack passed away a little over 20 years ago. I was trying to find out info about those who served with him. I find it very interesting that I received this on the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. I will get back within a few days. Thank you for contacting me
Re: SS Ezra Meeker
Posted by GREG MARTIN on December 2, 2011, 3:29 pm, in reply to "SS Ezra Meeker"
MY DAD, LAWRENCE MARTIN, WAS ON THE EZRA MEEKER BUT I BELIEVE IT WAS AFTER THIS BATTLE. HE WAS ON THE SS JOHN HOWARD PAYNE DURING THE SALERNO INVASION OF SICILY.
Re: SS Ezra Meeker
Posted by James H. Barker on July 10, 2011, 3:18 pm, in reply to "SS Ezra Meeker"
The name of a magazine which published a description of the Sicily incident: Sea, surf and hell: the U.S. Coast guard in world war II by Arch A. Mercey, Lee Grove Prentice-Hall, inc., 1945 - History - 352 pages
