During World War II, Cornelius Smith became a U.S. Army Air Forces DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down 11 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1968 as a Colonel.
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During World War II, Cornelius Smith became a U.S. Army Air Forces DOUBLE ACE, credited with shooting down 11 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1968 as a Colonel.
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(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Cornelius Marcellus Smith, Jr. (ASN: 0-792171), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-39 Airacobra Fighter Airplane of the 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943 and 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Smith, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.