"The medicine man told us 'when you get back, we’ll wash this off of you--if you come back.'" (Video interview, 16:02)

George Smith

George Smith [2003] War: World War, 1939-1945 Branch: Marine Corps Unit: 4th Marine Division Service Location: Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands); Tinian (Northern Mariana Islands); Guam (Mariana Islands); Okinawa Island (Ryukyu Islands); Hawaii; Pacific Theater Rank: Corporal

George Smith, from Gallup, New Mexico, enlisted in the Marine Corps together with his younger brother Albert (AFC/2001/001/60091) in early 1943. Before he left home, Smith’s family arranged for a traditional Navajo protection ceremony to be performed for him and his brother, a ceremony which Smith credits with keeping him safe from harm. After completing training, Smith was assigned to the 10th Marine Regiment - the artillery regiment for the 2nd Marine Division. Smith’s first experience of combat came during the Battle of Saipan, from where he maintained painful recollections of seeing dead Marines on the beach when he landed, and coming under heavy Japanese artillery fire while working as a wireman in the 10th Marines gun positions. Smith also held happier memories from his time on Saipan - after the island was secured he was able to see both his older brother Ray, who was there with the Army’s 27th Infantry Division, and his younger brother Albert, who was there as a Code Talker assigned to the 4th Marine Division.