US Navy Machinist Mate 2nd Class Gordon Smith

First Bank is pleased to honor 95 year old World War II veteran Gordon Smith (Machinist Mate 2nd Class, US Navy) in First Bank’s Tribute to the Greatest Generation.
Mr. Smith survived the attacks on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Later, he was assigned to the USS Gambier Bay and was in the Battle off Samar during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On October 25, 1944, the ship was sunk. It was the only American aircraft carrier sunk by enemy gunfire during World War II. For two days, he floated in the water before he was rescued.
Mr. Smith is retired from the US Post Office. He was married for over 50 years before his wife passed away.