George L. Smith Jr.

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS GEORGE L. SMITH JR. was born in Woodlynne NJ. He had attended Collingswood (NJ) High School, graduating in 1942.  He was a promising magician, he had worked for the well known "Dante the Magician".  A student at the University of Pennsylvania, he was about to turn professional, but the Army called, and he entered the service on March 8, 1943, reporting to Fort Dix NJ. He received training in gunnery and radio at Atlantic City and Fort Monmouth NJ. He had returned to Atlantic City for three weeks, before being assigned to a military police unit in Greensboro NC.  It was during this period that his mentor, "The Great Dante" sent a three page telegram telling the Army of the talent they had. At that point he was transferred to the Special Services Division, for the entertainment of his fellow soldiers. He traveled all over North Carolina on War Bond Drives with many stage and screen notables,, and did shows at all the military bases. He received a Presidential Citation for outstanding entertainment and resulting War Bond Sales. In one instance, as a headliner in a Raleigh NC show "Strike Up The Bonds", sales exceeded $7,000,000.00. During this show, the wife of the then Governor of North Carolina, Mrs. J.M. Broughton, tried to get George to give up some of his magician's secrets, but true to the code of his profession, he refused. He was entertaining troops as a member of the Special Services Division at various bases when he was struck with appendicitis at Greensboro NC on a War Bond Tour, and despite all efforts to save him, died July 1, 1944, at the age of 20. 
   George L. Smith is buried at New St. Mary's Cemetery in Bellmawr NJ. He was survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George L. Smith Sr., of 170 Linden Avenue in Woodlynne NJ. 

May 19, 1942

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Camden Courier-Post
February 26. 1944