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Philip
Roland
Smothermon
March 20, 1935

–

August 16, 2019

Born:

Rocky Ford

, 

Colorado

Home:

Sugar City

, 

Colorado

Philip Smothermon graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1959. He retired in 1979 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    January 28, 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Philip Roland Smothermon (AFSN: FR-55609), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam, in action near Dong Ha, Republic of Vietnam on 29 January 1968. On that date, Captain Smothermon directed artillery and airpower on heavily fortified aggressor positions in support of a besieged friendly unit. While directing airpower, Captain Smothermon experienced partial power loss on one engine of his aircraft. With complete disregard for his own safety and while well within the lethal range of intense ground fire, Captain Smothermon continued to direct the badly needed airpower. The timely and accurate airpower destroyed several of the aggressor’s positions and much of his equipment allowing the friendly unit to maneuver through the area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty by Captain Smothermon reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    January 5, 1968

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Philip Roland Smothermon (AFSN: FR-55609), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam, in action directing fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia on 5 January 1968. On that date, Captain Smothermon flew an O-2 aircraft on an extremely hazardous mission at night and in adverse weather conditions in support of friendly ground forces. While directing a flare ship, gunships and artillery, the front engine of his aircraft failed. Despite the hazards involved, Captain Smothermon continued with his mission with great success. Captain Smothermon then guided his disabled aircraft to a suitable landing field without further incident. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smothermon reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    May 12, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-3765 (December 5, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain Philip Roland Smothermon (AFSN: FR-55609), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Forward Air Controller of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam, in action directing fighter aircraft near Kham Duc, Republic of Vietnam, on 12 May 1968. On that date, Captain Smothermon was exposed to a barrage of heavy hostile ground fire while marking targets for fighter aircraft. His superior skill and knowledge of airpower made it possible to deliver ordnance extremely close to friendly units. The air power support directed by Captain Smothermon provided the necessary suppression and cover for the friendly units, thus saving hundreds of lives when they evacuated the area. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Smothermon reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain

    Batallion:

    13th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    March 4 – 9, 1968
    Headquarters, United States Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 5250 (November 12, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Captain Philip Roland Smothermon (AFSN: FR-55609), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in the Republic of Vietnam. Captain Smothermon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 4 to 9 March 1968 as a Forward Air Controller for a cavalry squadron heavily engaged in combat with a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army regiment. The enemy manned at least six antiaircraft weapons which made it extremely hazardous to fly observation aircraft over the battle site. Disregarding the heavy fire of these weapons Captain Smothermon repeatedly made dangerously low passes over the enemy positions to mark targets for air strikes and to assess the damage inflicted by them upon the enemy. His pinpoint marking of the targets resulted in numerous enemy casualties. On 8 March several of the squadron’s vehicles were hit, leaving many Americans wounded. Ambulance helicopters were called upon to evacuate the casualties. The rescue pilots unknowingly entered the battle site in the direct path of supporting friendly artillery. Captain Smothermon courageously maneuvered his aircraft to intercept their ships to prevent them from, entering the field of fire. To do this, he had to fly his craft through the withering artillery barrage. He then contacted the rescue pilots by radio and directed them around the impact area, guiding them to their landing zone. His courage and professional leadership contributed immeasurably in the successful evacuation of the wounded from the battle field, and, ultimately, the defeat of the numerically superior enemy force. Captain Smothermon’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Air Force.