Greetings
My uncle Smokey Campbell as I knew him, was a stout guy. He had Popeye forearms complete with tattoos he acquired in the Navy. He always had a smile on his face and a resilient Semper Fortus(always courageous) attitude. Clarence's life was changed profoundly by the USS West Virginia on a Sunday morning in December. This young man, was a 19 y/o Seaman apprentice or an S2c. He was a little over a year into his US Navy enlistment and 3 months on board the BB-48 that fateful day. Unlike his normal duties, he was given a task that would forge his career in the Navy. That day, he tried to save his ship from being consumed by an unquenchable fire. From his actions, he earned the moniker of Smokey. He also secured a trade in the Navy as a Fireman 3rd Class.
Smokey's profile has sources from the USS West Virginia Report of Changes, with transfer dates of 14 Aug 1941 and 9 Dec 1941. Smokey was discharged honorably from the Navy on 15 Aug 1945. He would go on to live as a proud Navy Vet for another 71 years after his service.
Thank you for your consideration,
-Matt
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