Military Veterans
Clarence M. Smith
Date of Birth
Date of Death
Brick Location
Panel Number
Biography
Clarence was a U.S. Navy Seabee during World War II. He spent one year in Newfoundland and two years on Saipan and Tinian Islands in the South Pacific.
After the war, he married Letha Varner (on 5 October 1946).
Clarence was the brother of Ivan A. Smith (wife Lottie Smith); the uncle of Kay Smith Mairs, Roger A. Smith, and Richard I. Smith. Clarence and Letha Smith lived at 816 West Third in El Dorado for many years. They were members of the First Methodist Church. Clarence received his 50 Years of Service Masonic Pin in January of 1988.
Note:
The Seabees are the Construction Battalions (CBs) of the United States Navy. The Seabees have a history of building bases, bulldozing and paving thousands of miles of roadway and airstrips, and accomplishing myriad other construction projects in a wide variety of military theatres dating back to World War II. The official motto of the Seabees is "Construimus, Batuimus" – translated into English as "We Build, We Fight." The Seabees have several unofficial mottos as well. Their best known unofficial motto is the simple phrase "Can Do!"—featured on much of their promotional material. The "Song of the Seabees" was written in 1943. The lyrics were composed by Sam M. Lewis and the musical composition was written by Peter DeRose. The first verse of the song, however, is usually the only verse to be sung or played at official functions.
Branch:
Years
World War II
Duty
Seabee—
Spent one year in Newfoundland and two years on Saipan and Tinian Islands in the South Pacific.