John Russel Smelcer waas born on 11 April 1915, the son of William Richard Smelcer and Charity Ownby. He was married to Georgia Bell Catlett.
He was Killed in Action 17 April 1945 in Italy
Private
363rd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, Company C
“This picture was taken in Florence, Italy just before he was killed in action, near the Poe Valley, along with his Sergeant Samuel H. Waggoner from Knoxville, Tn.” — son, William (Bill) Smelcer
- Rank: Private
- Date of birth: 11 April 1915
- Date of death: 17 April 1945
- County: Sevier
- Hometown: Sevierville
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: 363rd Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Pigeon Forge Cemetery, Sevierville, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XVII, Bottom Panel
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