Samuel W Smith
Military
Uploaded
Object Number - UPL 16703 - Maj. Gen. Timothy Zadalis (left), Air Education and Training Command director of Intelligence, Operations and Nuclear Integration, presents the...
Completed 24 missions
Distinguished Flying Cross
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 39133900
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 17113762
- Highest Rank: Corporal
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 19054915
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Role/Job: Tail Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: T-135771
- Highest Rank: Flight Officer
- Role/Job: Navigator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 360th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 32559908
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Goldthwaithe, Texas | 11 September 1924 | Samuel W. Smith, a fifth generation Texan, was born September 11, 1924 at Goldthwaite, Texas. He graduated from Goldthwaite high school in 1942 and joined the Air Corps as an aviation cadet. After graduation from twin engine pilot school he completed B-17 Transition, Combat Crew training, and was then assigned to the 303rd Bomb Group (Hell's Angels) in Molesworth, England as an aircraft commander. Sam and his crew completed 24 bombing missions over German targets including Hamburg, Leipzig, Cologne, Essen and Berlin. When the war in Europe ended, his crew was selected to fly a new B-17G from England to the States for participation in the formation of a new Air Force for the Invasion of Japan. The "A" bombs fell, and Japan surrendered ending WWII. Captain Smith then entered A&M College as a Chemical Engineering major. Upon graduation, he worked in industry for 5 years, then partnered in the formation of an engineering company, Pona Engineers, Inc., in Houston. During the 27 years that followed, 95 plants were constructed in the Hydrocarbon Processing industry in the U.S., Mexico, and South America. Sam's professional engineer registrations include the states of Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, & West Virginia. In 2003 he received a certificate from Governor Perry recognizing his over 50 years as a Registered Professional Engineer in Texas. He is an emeritus member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Active in community affairs, Sam was a member of Westminster Methodist Church in Houston and served as President of Methodist Men, secretary of the Board of Stewards, and taught Sunday School to teenagers. He was president of the West Houston Little League, and taught NRA hunter safety course to the youths in his area. He became a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas in 1991, and as a founding member of the John O. Meusebach Chapter #48, spent 3 years researching and constructing a replica of the "Twin Sisters" cannons, the only artillery that Sam Houston had during the Battle of San Jacinto. The replica is named "The Other Sister". The "Other Sister" and crew have participated in countless parades, and ceremonies, including the San Jacinto Battle Ground Park. As a result of this research and work, he was elected to Knighthood in the Order of San Jacinto, an order established by Sam Houston in 1843, by the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Texas Independence Day programs are presented annually to the Fredericksburg, Ingram and Kerrville Middle Schools. He periodically teaches school children about Texas history as a combat pilot during WWII. Sam's other organizations include Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of Confederate Veterans, 8th Air Force Association, Commemorative Air Force and Quiet Birdmen. Sam was married to the former Mary Ann Miller for 67 wonderful years (she passed on Nov 8, 2014), and is father to Tim Smith, a life member of SRT, and grandfather to Mary Ann Nielsen, a member of the DRT, and Samantha Smith, age 12, a future member of the DRT. |
| Kerrville, TX, USA | Sam currently resides in Kerrville, TX |
Revisions
Contributorlnielsen0015
Changes
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum Membership List, July 2000
