Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Nelson
Smith
September 12, 1915

–

April 8, 2004

Born:

Burlington

, 

Massachusetts

Home:

, 

Massachusetts

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Robert Smith transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1973 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    January 1971 – July 1972
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-727 (October 3, 1973)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Robert Nelson Smith, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Smith distinguished himself during the period from July 1971 to July 1972. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Smith culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Major General Robert Nelson Smith, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Smith and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    408th Bombardment Squadron

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert Nelson Smith, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Soldier’s Medal for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Bomber and Operations Officer in the 408th Bombardment Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action during 51 combat missions in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations in 1942.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    408th Bombardment Squadron

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Robert Nelson Smith, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-26 Bomber and Operations Officer in the 408th Bombardment Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action during 51 combat missions in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations in 1942. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.