A Pearl Harbor Story That Continues to Inspire
James Earl Smith was part of history on a clear Hawaiian morning in 1941. As a young shipfitter aboard the USS Argonne, Smith stood above deck just after sunrise on December 7. He saw a single aircraft turning in the distance. Moments later, explosions shook the harbor and the Japanese attack began.
The USS Argonne was anchored at the north end of 1010 Dock, directly across from Ford Island and Battleship Row. When the attack started, the ship sounded general quarters and Smith rushed to his station to feed ammunition into a 50 caliber machine gun. From that location, he witnessed the destruction of the USS Arizona and the capsizing of the USS Oklahoma.
Although he survived the attack and continued serving with honor, another danger followed him for decades. He breathed asbestos dust throughout his Navy and Air Force career. Nearly a lifetime later – his doctors later confirmed that this exposure caused his peritoneal malignant mesothelioma diagnosed when Mr. Smith was in his 90s.
Early Life and the Call to Serve
Smith grew up in Kentucky during the Great Depression. He understood responsibility early in life and sought opportunity and stability through military service. When he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1938, he trained as a shipfitter. His work included metal repair, pipeline restoration, bulkhead work, and maintenance of water and ventilation systems.
These duties placed him near asbestos insulation on almost every vessel he served aboard. At the time, sailors received no warnings about the health risks and no protective equipment.
USS Argonne (AS 18): The Center of His Wartime Service
Life Aboard the Flagship
From 1938 to 1942, Smith served aboard the USS Argonne, which acted as flagship for Rear Admiral William L. Calhoun of the Base Force, Pacific Fleet.
His daily work involved pipeline repairs, bulkhead reinforcement, and mechanical maintenance. The Argonne also underwent multiple overhauls at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, including boiler and turbine work that created heavy dust throughout the ship.
Asbestos Above His Bunk
Smith described sleeping beneath steam lines wrapped in asbestos insulation. The covering deteriorated and flaked onto his bunk, creating dust he breathed every night.
He would later explain that these early exposures were some of the most concentrated of his entire career.
December 7, 1941: A Day of Fire and Resolve
On the morning of the attack, Smith was above deck when he noticed an aircraft turning above the horizon. Seconds later, blasts erupted across Pearl Harbor.
Within minutes:
- The Argonne manned its guns
- Smith reported to his ammunition station
- The harbor filled with smoke and burning oil
From his ship, he saw the USS Arizona explode and the USS Oklahoma roll over. His sworn testimony records that this was a day he would never forget.
Despite the devastation, the crew remained steady and helped defend the harbor until the attack ended.
Repair and Salvage After the Attack
For three months after the attack, Smith worked on repair and salvage operations across multiple damaged vessels.
These assignments required:
- Cutting through buckled steel
- Removing damaged insulation
- Restoring pipelines and ventilation systems
- Working in tight compartments filled with dust
This period produced heavy asbestos exposure, although the dangers remained unknown to those performing the repairs.
USS Louisville (CA 28): Combat and Overhauls
From 1942 to 1943, Smith served aboard the heavy cruiser USS Louisville as a warrant officer carpenter. He worked near pipefitters, insulators, and machinists who handled asbestos insulation and gaskets. He again slept below steam lines covered with deteriorating insulation.
During a six week overhaul at Mare Island, he worked near boiler and turbine repairs. The remainder of his service was spent escorting warships in the South Pacific.
USS General T. H. Bliss (AP 131): A Global Mission
Between 1943 and 1946, Smith served as chief carpenter aboard the USS General T. H. Bliss. He repaired bulkheads and pipelines while the ship transported troops across both the Pacific and European theaters. A short overhaul at Brooklyn Navy Yard created additional exposure while old insulation was removed and replaced.
Returning to Navy Service: ARD 10 and USS Buck
Smith reenlisted after the war.
ARD 10 (1946 to 1947)
He performed metal repair work for other ships and slept beneath asbestos insulated steam lines that shed dust. He also worked near crews applying and stripping pipe covering, block insulation, and packing.
USS Buck (DD 761) (1949 to 1950)
As chief carpenter, he repaired pipelines and ventilation systems. His bunk was below more insulated steam lines that shed debris. He again breathed dust from insulation, gaskets, and packing used in daily repair work.
United States Air Force Service (1950 to 1958)
After leaving the Navy, Smith enlisted in the Air Force as an airframe repairman. He worked at bases in Kentucky, the Philippines, and Texas. At each location, he glued and sanded wing sections using a two part epoxy resin that contained asbestos. Once dry, he sanded the resin by hand and breathed visible dust on many occasions.
This added another significant chapter to his lifelong occupational exposure.
A Life of Meaning: Family, Work, and Legacy
Smith lived a life characterized by integrity and service. His grandson captured his story in The James Earl Smith Story, preserving memories of a man who traveled the world, served in two military branches, and worked diligently long after leaving uniform.
His family remembers him as steady, humble, and committed to helping others. Those values carried him through war and shaped his life afterward.
A Late Life Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
In his 90s, Smith began experiencing symptoms that led doctors to diagnose peritoneal malignant mesothelioma. His affidavit states they attributed the disease to asbestos exposures across his Navy, Air Force, and civilian work.
He passed away in June 2011. Yet through his testimony and his family’s recollections, he left a powerful record that continues to inform and inspire.
Honoring Veterans Through Advocacy
For families navigating mesothelioma today, stories like Smith’s show why documenting military service, job duties, and exposure histories is so important. Navy veterans remain one of the highest risk groups for asbestos related diseases, and many do not realize how exposures occurred.
At DuBose Law Firm, it was our honor to represent James Earl Smith and support his family. His courage, humility, and dedication to service continue to guide our efforts. We remain committed to helping Navy veterans and families pursue medical resources, VA benefits, and legal claims involving asbestos exposures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pearl Harbor service cause mesothelioma?
Yes. Navy ships contained extensive asbestos insulation. Sailors often slept and worked beneath insulated piping and near repair activities that released asbestos dust.
Does mesothelioma often appear late in life?
Yes. Many veterans are diagnosed 40 to 60 years after exposure.
What Navy ratings carried the highest risk?
Shipfitters, pipefitters, machinist’s mates, boilermen, electricians, welders, and carpenters faced heavy exposure on most vessels.
Can families pursue claims after a veteran passes away?
In many states, they can pursue wrongful death claims or trust fund benefits.
How can families gather evidence of exposure?
Military records, ship assignments, affidavits, and letters often provide enough information to build a strong history.
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