DSC Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Donavon Francis Smith (ASN: 0-665628), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on a bomber escort mission against military objectives in the heavily-defended area of Emden, Germany, on 11 December 1943. Near the target the bombers were attacked by a large force of rocket-firing enemy fighters. Disregarding the enemy's superiority in numbers and fire power and the danger from attack by fighters known to be flying above the rocket-carrying aircraft, Lieutenant Smith's flight attacked and became engaged with five ME-110 type fighters. Lieutenant Smith himself destroyed one enemy plane and damaged another. In the heat of battle Lieutenant Smith became separated from his flights and while trying to rejoin he observed an ME-110 airplane below and made a diving attack. He was immediately attacked by a FW-190 fighter from above, and without regard to his personal safety, Lieutenant Smith continued his attacks and destroyed the enemy plane. He then maneuvered into position for a head-on attack against his pursuer. Holding a collision course and firing accurately, Lieutenant Smith closed to such a short range that his enemy, fearing collision, bailed out, leaving his airplane to crash. Through his heroism and exceptional flying skill on this occasion, Lieutenant Smith rendered distinguished and valorous service to our nation. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Donavon Francis Smith (ASN: 0-665628), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on a bomber escort mission against military objectives in the heavily-defended area of Emden, Germany, on 11 December 1943. Near the target the bombers were attacked by a large force of rocket-firing enemy fighters. Disregarding the enemy's superiority in numbers and fire power and the danger from attack by fighters known to be flying above the rocket-carrying aircraft, Lieutenant Smith's flight attacked and became engaged with five ME-110 type fighters. Lieutenant Smith himself destroyed one enemy plane and damaged another. In the heat of battle Lieutenant Smith became separated from his flights and while trying to rejoin he observed an ME-110 airplane below and made a diving attack. He was immediately attacked by a FW-190 fighter from above, and without regard to his personal safety, Lieutenant Smith continued his attacks and destroyed the enemy plane. He then maneuvered into position for a head-on attack against his pursuer. Holding a collision course and firing accurately, Lieutenant Smith closed to such a short range that his enemy, fearing collision, bailed out, leaving his airplane to crash. Through his heroism and exceptional flying skill on this occasion, Lieutenant Smith rendered distinguished and valorous service to our nation. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
DSC Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Donavon Francis Smith (ASN: 0-665628), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on a bomber escort mission against military objectives in the heavily-defended area of Emden, Germany, on 11 December 1943. Near the target the bombers were attacked by a large force of rocket-firing enemy fighters. Disregarding the enemy's superiority in numbers and fire power and the danger from attack by fighters known to be flying above the rocket-carrying aircraft, Lieutenant Smith's flight attacked and became engaged with five ME-110 type fighters. Lieutenant Smith himself destroyed one enemy plane and damaged another. In the heat of battle Lieutenant Smith became separated from his flights and while trying to rejoin he observed an ME-110 airplane below and made a diving attack. He was immediately attacked by a FW-190 fighter from above, and without regard to his personal safety, Lieutenant Smith continued his attacks and destroyed the enemy plane. He then maneuvered into position for a head-on attack against his pursuer. Holding a collision course and firing accurately, Lieutenant Smith closed to such a short range that his enemy, fearing collision, bailed out, leaving his airplane to crash. Through his heroism and exceptional flying skill on this occasion, Lieutenant Smith rendered distinguished and valorous service to our nation. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Donavon Francis Smith (ASN: 0-665628), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on a bomber escort mission against military objectives in the heavily-defended area of Emden, Germany, on 11 December 1943. Near the target the bombers were attacked by a large force of rocket-firing enemy fighters. Disregarding the enemy's superiority in numbers and fire power and the danger from attack by fighters known to be flying above the rocket-carrying aircraft, Lieutenant Smith's flight attacked and became engaged with five ME-110 type fighters. Lieutenant Smith himself destroyed one enemy plane and damaged another. In the heat of battle Lieutenant Smith became separated from his flights and while trying to rejoin he observed an ME-110 airplane below and made a diving attack. He was immediately attacked by a FW-190 fighter from above, and without regard to his personal safety, Lieutenant Smith continued his attacks and destroyed the enemy plane. He then maneuvered into position for a head-on attack against his pursuer. Holding a collision course and firing accurately, Lieutenant Smith closed to such a short range that his enemy, fearing collision, bailed out, leaving his airplane to crash. Through his heroism and exceptional flying skill on this occasion, Lieutenant Smith rendered distinguished and valorous service to our nation. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Inscription
Lieutenant General, U.S. Air Force, Retired
Gravesite Details
Lt. Gen.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
