MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 435th "Changing of the Colors" flag ceremony on Oct. 21, in honor and memory of a veteran of World War II at the Susquehanna Bank flag pole.
Robert G. Smith was born April 4, 1924, in Mount Carmel, a son of Guy Sylvester and Catherine (Wightman) Smith. He was a 1941 graduate of Mount Carmel Township High School.
Smith entered the U.S. Army Air Force July 6, 1943, in Harrisburg, and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant July 2, 1945, at Separation Center, Fort Dix, N.J.
As an aerial gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress, a four-engine heavy bomber, he completed 35 missions over France, Belgium, and Germany with the 749th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 8th Air Force. His campaigns included the Ardennes, Normandy, northern France, Rhineland and southern France.
An aerial gunner marksman, he received the following medal: the Airman's Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster for action on Aug. 5, 1944, bombing oil storage tanks at Neinburg, Germany; the Europe-Africa-Middle East Medal and the World War II Honorable Discharge Pin. Total service to his country was one year, 11 months and 27 days, of which foreign service was eight months, 23 days.
On June 27, 1959, at St. Paul's Evangelical United Brethren Church, Mount Carmel, he married the former Venitta Frasch, who survives.
Until his retirement, Smith worked at the Mount Carmel Item, Shamokin News-Dispatch and Pottsville Republican. After his retirement, he was employed as the conductor of the Pioneer Train at Knoebel's Amusement Resort, Elysburg.
He was a life member of American Legion Post 444, Milheim, 8th Air Force Historical Society, Fraternity Rod and Gun Club, Woodward, Shamokin Beagle Club, Catawissa Boat Club, the United Presbyterian Church, Cedar Lodge No. 378 Free and Accepted Masons, and a life member of the Anthracite Steam Fire Company No. 1, all of Mount Carmel.
Smith died June 7, 2012, and is buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Mount Carmel Township.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, two sons, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a sister.
The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of John William Reichwein, who served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War I. Taps was played on the bugle by Walter Summers as the flag was lowered by Anthony Candelora. The flag was folded by Candelora and Summers and presented to Reichwein's daughter, Catherine Fantini, by Summers.
The Smith flag was escorted to the service by Nicholas Kuzo. The flag was presented by Smith's wife, Venitta, to Summers for raising. Candelora raised the flag as the national anthem was played. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. Summers led everyone in reciting The Lord's Prayer. The ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans.
The committee also noted the passing of former U.S. Senator George S. McGovern, the 1972 Democratic presidential candidate, who served as a pilot on a consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber during World War II. Summers thanked the families and friends of both veterans in attendance for their participation in the ceremony.
James Kealy carried the American flag to the service. John Hirsch provided traffic control.
The next flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, at Second and Oak streets, when the flag will be raised in honor and memory of David P. Barvitski, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Area veterans and the public are invited to attend.