Abbott, Smith M. - Putnam

Mrs. JM Abbott has received the following letter from her son’s commanding officer: 513ts. Bombardment Squadron (H) AAF Office of the Commanding Officer APO 321 c/o Postmaster, San Francisco Calif. 25 June 1945 – Mrs. Jettie Abbott, RR 1, Box 73, Greencastle, Indiana  Dear Mrs. Abbott: It is with the most sincere and deepest regret that I must inform you that your son, T-Sgt Smith M. Abott, 35148514, was killed in an airplane accident on 18 June 1945. The airplane and crew of which your son was Airplane Mechanic Gunner took off at approximately 5:06 a.m. June 18th from Murtha Strip, San Jose, Mindoro, Philippine Islands to participate in a combat mission to BalikPapan, Borneo. On take-off the plane was seen to be airborne, then settled and crashed, exploding on impact about ½ mile from the northern end of the strip. The entire crew of 11 men were killed instantly.  The funeral was held on the morning of June 19th, 1945 and full military honors were afforded your son.  The grave location is US Army Air Force Cemetery No 101 at San Jose, Mindoro, Philippine Islands. Your son has been a member of this squadron since Jan 8, 1945 and has always performed his duties in an exemplary manner.  He was well liked by all of the officers and men of this command.  His loss is deeply felt by all of us and we wish to express our deepest sympathy to you at this time. If, at any time you feel that I may be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to write me.  Sincerely, Robert A. Garn, Major, Air Corps, Commanding

Source: Greencastle Daily Banner 18 Nov 1948 p 2

Tech Sgt Smith Abbott, son of James Milton and Jettie Reece Abbott was born Jan 7, 1925 at Morton, Indiana and department this life June 18, 1945 at the age of 20 years, 5 months and 11 days. Smith was a great home lover and dearly cherished his family and friends. He had a kind disposition and was loved by all who knew him.  He received his education in the Greencastle schools and graduated with the class of 1943.  He accepted the Lord as his Savior on Feb 13, 1939 and became a member of the Somerset Christian Church.  Smith entered the service of his country on Aug 3, 1943, received training at Greensboro, NC Kessler Field, Miss and other training camps. He served in the 5th USAF as a member of the 531st Bombardment Squadron, 380th bomber group in the SW Pacific being sent first to New Guinea in Nov 1944 then later to Australia and finally to Mindoro Island in the Philippines.  He had served more than 2/3 of his required missions when early one morning as he was starting on another mission their plane crashed and he along with his entire crew lost their lives. Full military rites were held for him on June 9, 1945 and he was laid to rest in the US Army AF Cemetery, until such time as he might be brought back to his own country.  He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, father mother and three brothers, Vernon, Willard and Lester, all of Greencastle, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Thomas Abbott of Bainbridge, 2 nephews, 3 nieces and a host of other relatives and friends. An infant brother preceded him in death. I cannot say and I will not say That he is dead – he is just away. With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand, He has wandered into an unknown land, And left us dreaming how very fair It needs must be, since he lingers there. And you, O you, who the wildest yearn, For the old time step and the glad return. Think of him faring on, as dear In the love of There as the love of here. Think of him still as the same, I say – he is not dead – he is just away   - We wish to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the many friends, neighbors and relatives for their kind words of comfort and expression of sympathy and for the beautiful floral offerings during our hours of bereavement.  We are especially grateful to Rev. Wayne Buchanan, Rev. CA Newby, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rector and their assistants. The singer, pianist, flower bearers and pall bearers also the splendid cooperation and assistance rendered by the Jesse M. Lee Post of the VFW. We thank each and everyone – Mr. and Mrs. Milton Abbott – Lester Abbott – Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Abbott & Family – Mr. and Mrs. Willard Abbott & Family

Source: Greencastle Daily Banner 30 Aug 1945 p 3

We wish to thank our many friends and neighbors for their kind words of sympathy expressed in person and through cards, letters and flowers in the taking of our dear son and brother, Smith Abbott who was killed over Mindoro on June 18.  Mr. and Mrs. JM Abbott and Vernon, Willard and Lester.