Biography

Excerpt: "Joseph B. Smith, born in Belfast, Maine, in 1826, was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1841. After graduating with the Class of 1847, he served at the Washington Navy Yard, in USS Mississippi and with the U.S. Coast Survey. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1855, and soon afterwards was assigned to the steam frigate Merrimack, his station until 1857. Smith next had ordnance duty at the Washington Navy Yard, D.C.
Lieutenant Smith joined USS Congress in about 1859. As her Executive Officer, he was in charge of the ship during the Commanding Officer's absence when she was attacked and destroyed by CSS Virginia on 8 March 1862. Joseph B. Smith was killed in action during this battle.
Two U.S. Navy ships have been named in honor of Lieutenant Smith: USS Smith (Destroyer # 17) of 1909-1921; and USS Smith (DD-378) of 1936-1947."