LCDR James A. Smith was a pilot flying A-3 missions over Vietnam in 1966 stationed aboard the USS Oriskany. On the morning of October 26th, a fire broke out on the ship. By the time the flames were extinguished, LCDR Smith, CommanderJuntilla (see tribute on this website), and 42 other men died as a result of this fire.

LCDR Smith left behind his wife Ann, and their four sons (Dave (age 4), twins Pat and Mike (age 2), and Jeff (5 months)).
The “Smitty’s” all reside in the Northern Virginia area today and now have added 1 grandson and 6 granddaughter’s to the clan.
We think of you often and miss you terribly,but we continue to go on and live life to the fullest.