SMELTZER, Harry

Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, Prescott, Arizona Harry Smeltzer March 23, 1923 ~ September 20, 2014 Harry was born in Manor, PA to Harry George Smeltzer and Madelyn Smeltzer on March 23, 1923. He grew up with his two sisters. Harry served in the US Navy during World War II on the USS Franklin (CV-13), nicknamed "Big Ben." It was one of the Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II. Commissioned in January 1944, she served in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, earning four battle stars. She was badly damaged by a Japanese air attack in March 1945, with the loss of over 900 of her crew, becoming the most heavily damaged United States carrier to survive the war. Harry served on the aircraft catapult crew. He was wounded during a kamikaze attack, and was awarded a Purple Heart. He is a proud plankowner of the ship, known as “the Ship that Would Not Die.” Harry was the Arizona representative for the WWII Monument in Washington DC. He was a lifelong Pittsburg Steeler Fan, and a life member of both the VFW and American Legion. After the war, he moved to the Chicago area, and married Gertrude Mary Hickey, who he met while at Great Lakes Naval Training Center during the War. They moved to Michigan City, IN, and Harry started a television repair business. He is survived by his wife of 65 years; three children Dr. Carolyn, Chicago, Mary (Charlie), Redondo Beach, and Jim, Michigan City; and two sisters Marilyn and Gerry. For his children, he said he wanted them to have respect for the country and be responsible. He said he achieved that with all three. He honored his shipmates every day, and was proud to be of service to his country. He had many stories of the Franklin and shared them with the fellow VA patients and staff, as well as the government, and his family. He was honest, kind, and had a great sense of humor. He lived life fully, recently celebrating his wife's 90th birthday September 15th with family, and playing cards with fellow veterans. During his final years, he was wonderfully cared for at the Northern Arizona Veterans Administration Health Care System in Prescott, AZ, to whom the family extends their greatest appreciation and thanks. In Harry’s case, the VA system was extraordinary. Harry died peacefully September 20, 2014. A full military honors burial is being planned in Prescott. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you simply help a veteran whenever possible. Visitation: 8:30 am to 9:30 am on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Veterans Administration Chapel 500 Highway 89N Prescott AZ 86313 will be when the family receives friends and guests. Service: 9:30 am on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Veterans Administration Chapel 500 Highway 89N Prescott AZ 86313 will be a memorial mass for Harry. Harry will be interred with full military honors at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 25, 2014 at the Prescott National Cemetery S Overland Rd at Quiet Peace Lane Prescott AZ 86313.