SMITH, Jack (Lee) Edward. Jack Smith, age 88, of Woodbridge, formerly of Hamden, CT passed away Friday, May 20th, 2011 at the VA Health Services in West Haven, CT. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on May 9, 1923, son of the late John William Smith and Mary Corine Hayes Smith. Jack is survived by his loyal wife Bernadette Albina Bertolini Smith. He also leaves three children John, Mary (Gerardo), and Roberta Smith; and a loving grandson, Gerry; and a brother James Eugene (Hildred) Smith (daughter, Cynthia Wade), of Smyrna, GA, a sister Viola Mae Griggs, of Roswell, GA, formerly of Buford, GA, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and many other relatives and friends. Jack was predeceased by sisters Clara Bell Smith Sims and Marie Smith, brothers Claude (Mary), Cleveland (Velma Mae), Charlie (Leona), Ralph; two other siblings at birth, Chester and John William "Pete" Jr. Smith; and also by in-laws Albino and Carolina (Bonugli) Bertolini and sister-in-law Corrine (Richard) Bertolini Coe. Jack had the distinction of serving his country with the U.S. Army Corps during World War II and the Korean War. Also, a short stint (1947-8) in the US Navy reserves. In the army he received many badges, citations, commendations, and medals including the American Camp Medal, Army of Occupation (Germany and Japan), Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd award), EAME with Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart, WWII Victory Medal, Marksman (Pistol). He was a member of L Company/317th Infantry Regiment/80th Infantry Division and A, F, & Headquarters Companies/27th Infantry Regiment/25th Infantry Division. As a prisoner-of-war for 11 months in German POW camps (1944-5), Stalag in Limberg and Stalag 7A in Moosburg, he and his comrades were rescued by General Patton at the end of the war. While in the service he represented the Army in the sport of boxing. He retired from the Army as a Sergeant in February of 1964 after 21 years of service. Also, Jack was employed for 21 years from August, 1964 by the State of Connecticut as a Correctional Officer at the Whalley Avenue Jail (New Haven Correctional Center) until his retirement in August of 1985. He only took three sick days his entire service! Jack was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his daily drives around the greater New Haven area and his former annual "straight run drives" to Atlanta, GA. He loved the south where he was born and raised. He will be remembered for his humor and sometimes ornery disposition. The family of Jack Smith thanks the staff at the VA Hospital in West Haven for their excellent care.