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Luther H. Smith Jr.Luther H. Smith, Jr., Captain, USAF (Ret.)

Captain Luther H. Smith,Jr., a famed World War II fighter pilot, was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen from Des Moines, Iowa and flew 133 combat missions during World War II, before becoming a German prisoner of war (“POW”) on his final mission while flying over Hungary, on Friday, October 13, 1944.  Becoming badly injured after parachuting from his disabled and burning P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft, Smith landed unconscious in a tree near Zagreb, Yugoslavia where he was captured by German troops.  Smith survived seven months of German captivity, and two and a half additional years of stateside hospitalization, before his retirement for combat disability in 1947.

Early Life and Education

Luther H. Smith, Jr., USAF (Ret.) (September 27, 1920 - December 9, 2009) was born in Des Moines, Iowa. Despite facing racial barriers, Smith overcame challenges to pursue his passion for aviation.  Smith became one of the first African Americans in Iowa to earn a pilot’s license after completing the Civilian Pilot Training Program in 1941. Smith was additionally one of the first African Americans from Iowa accepted into the United States Army Air Forces (“USAAF”). Smith initially attended the University of Iowa but left to enroll in the USAAF in 1942.  After completing US Military Aviator training Smith was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant at Tuskegee Airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama in May 1943. Smith returned to the University of Iowa after World War II ended and earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950.  Smith additionally received a Master’s Degree in Engineering from Penn State University.

Military Career

During World War II, Captain Smith served with the 302nd Fighter Squadron of the 332nd Fighter Group, known as the Tuskegee Airmen.  During his 133 combat missions, Captain Smith demonstrated exceptional skill and courage.  Captain Smith destroyed 2 German aircraft in aerial conflicts and destroyed 10 aircraft in ground strafing attacks.  On October 13, 1944, his last mission, Captain Smith’s plane caught on fire over Hungary and after parachuting from his burning aircraft he was captured by German troops.  Captain Smith endured seven months of captivity in Austria before being liberated in May 1945.  Smith’s injuries sustained during his parachuting from his burning aircraft required him to be hospitalized for two years following the war.

Post-War Career and Contributions

After the war, Smith had a distinguished 38-year career as an aerospace engineer at General Electric (GE), where he earned two patents during his tenure with the company.  Smith’s work at GE included missile and jet engine design and he published numerous engineering papers.  Smith also served in various leadership roles, including as division chairman of the Society of Automotive Engineers (“SAE”) Aerospace International.  Smith played a significant role in honoring the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, organizing events and memorials, including the 50th-anniversary memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in 1995.  Smith was selected and served on the Design Committee of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. The Tuskegee Airmen plaque at Arlington National Cemetery was designed by Smith. Smith’s community service included many years serving as Vice Chairman of the Radnor Township (Pa.) School Board and serving on the Board of the Delaware County (PA) Community College.

Honors and Legacy

Captain Luther H. Smith received numerous honors for his bravery and service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, 8 European Theater Campaign Ribbons and the Congressional Gold Medal. In 2010, by Act of Congress, the US Post Office in Cheyney, PA, was designated the Captain Luther H. Smith, US Army Post Office.  In 1995, Smith was selected by President William Clinton to represent the U.S. Air Force during the 50^Th anniversary Celebrations of VE Day. Smith accompanied President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore to Europe for the VE Day celebrations. In 2000, a replica of Smith’s P-51 Mustang, was installed at the entrance of the Iowa Air National Guard Headquarters located in Des Moines, Iowa.  In 2001, Smith was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society of Automotive Engineers for his 25+ years of service as a SAE Division Leader.  During 2006 Smith was inducted into the University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Academy.  In 2008 the Daughters of the American Revolution (“DAR”) named Smith their “Man of the Year”. Smith’s legacy continues to inspire, exemplifying courage, resilience, and dedication to service.

Personal Life

Smith married Lois Gordon of Omaha, Nebraska in October 1950, and had two children, Deborah and Gordon.  Upon completion of Smith’s aerospace engineering training with GE in Schenectady, New York, Smith settled with his family in Villanova, Pennsylvania where he resided until his passing in 2009.  Captain Smith is survived by his son Gordon Luther Smith and his wife Nancy Gilroy-Smith, who reside in Manhattan, New York, as well as his daughter Deborah Smith, who resides in Boston, Massachusetts.  

References

1. Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. National Park Service.
2. "Tuskegee Airmen." National Museum of the United States Air Force.
3. Additional sources as provided.