In Memory OfLCDR James A. Smith

LCDR James A. Smith, 31, U.S. Navy, born November 30, 1934, passed away in a non-combat incident on October 26, 1966. Smith was a Naval Aviator with Heavy Attack Squadron 4, Carrier Air Wing 16 in the Vietnam War. As his unit was preparing for combat operations aboard the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in the Gulf of Tonkin, a parachute flare was accidentally ignited next to a munitions locker, triggering a large explosion. Fire quickly spread across the ship and took the lives of Smith and 43 of his fellow sailors. Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate! Til Valhalla, Brother!