Luther Ester Smith, Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel, U. S. Army Air Force

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, 51st Troop Carrier Wing, General Orders No. 4 (July 26, 1943)
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Flight Officer Luther E. Smith (ASN: T-120454), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while co-piloting an unarmed, unarmored and unescorted troop carrier aircraft of the 60th Troop Carrier Wing, TWELFTH Air Force, on an important paratroop mission in the Sicilian Campaign while his aircraft was subject to intense ground fire in July 1943.
A cannon shell exploded in the cockpit just before the aircraft crashed into the sea wounding Flight Officer Smith in the leg and wrist. Despite this physical handicap, he moved about in the fast sinking aircraft helping debark paratroopers, collecting flares, signals and necessary emergency equipment until he was forced to exit through the escape hatches as the aircraft completely submerged. He then swam to one of the life rafts where he rescued a paratrooper from drowning. The courage, skill and ability displayed by Flight Officer Smith reflects much credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

GENERAL ORDERS:
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant (Air Corps) Luther E. Smith (ASN: T-120454), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a C-47 type aircraft.
On 28 June 1944, Lieutenant Smith flew on a mission to deliver vital military supplies in enemy held southern Yugoslavia to a landing strip where the enemy was less than four miles distant. Although daylight strafing and bombing raids had made the landing strip extremely rough, Lieutenant Smith made a successful landing guided only by five goose-necked flares on each side of the runway. Due to the close proximity of the enemy and promiscuous shelling and mortar fire taking place while the aircraft was being unloaded, Lieutenant Smith was ordered to take off immediately.
Displaying superior flying ability, Lieutenant Smith made an excellent take-off in spite of being fired upon continuously while gaining altitude. On fifty-two night combat missions his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.