Shared Photo: Orrin Dayton Smith, Jr.

Question

This was my father, Orrin  He joined the United States Navy when he was just 15! He and his father managed to change his Birth Certificate and make him 18. Therefore, my dad had his actual birthday, and his government one which he had to use for things like his driver’s license. He was probably 15 or 16 in this photo.

I wanted to share this family photo of Orrin Smith with the community.

Click here for the image details page or here for the full-sized version (2448 x 3264).

Answer 1

Great photo! I salute him for his service! Funny, my father joined the Marines when he was underage. Didn't work out so well for him, when his older brother found out, (who was in the Army Air Corp mind you) ratted him out and he received a Minor Discharge. He later enlisted in the Army where he spent 28 years serving. My uncle Carl was in the Navy, and I have a family photo of him in uniform, which, looks a lot like the one your dad is wearing. Thank you for sharing!

Comments

Hi Michael

Your story is great. My dad was very happy to drop out of school and go. I think he was a bit of a trouble maker so his parents were happy to see him off...

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Thank you for the star selection Susan Laursen!