Smith’s son, James, accepted the awards on his father’s behalf throughout a ceremony aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Area Museum in New York.
“My father, like many 1000’s of his era in the course of the struggle, did his job – day in and day trip. In lower than 4 years, his dedication led to defeating the Nazis and the empire of Japan concurrently,” stated James Smith.
SECNAV Del Toro thanked James Smith for “his tireless work to make sure his father acquired the popularity he deserved, and for preserving his father’s story of service throughout World Conflict II.”
Aviation Radioman Third Class Petty Officer Peter Smith, a Troy, New York native, enlisted within the Navy on Feb. 2, 1942, two months after the Japanese assaults on Pearl Harbor. First rated as a Storekeeper, Smith volunteered for flying responsibility, finishing coaching as each an aviation radioman and an air gunner.
In June 1943, Smith was assigned to VC-28, a composite squadron based mostly at Henderson Airfield on Guadalcanal. Throughout his time there, Smith flew as a member of a three-man crew in a TBF Avenger torpedo bomber and performed 15 fight missions in assist of troops on the bottom at New Georgia. After returning to the U.S., Smith later re-deployed to the Pacific in 1944 with the newly-designated Torpedo Squadron 28 (VT 28), working as a carrier-based squadron off USS Monterey (CVL 26). Throughout his time with VT-28, Smith flew in operations to retake Marianas, Saipan, Tinian, and Southern Palau from Japanese forces. He additionally supported the assaults on the Philippines and strikes in opposition to Okinawa. All advised, Smith flew greater than 150 fight and assist missions throughout his 11 months with VT-28, earlier than being honorably discharged in February 1946, after the conclusion of the struggle.
“I’m humbled by the chance to honor Peter L. Smith – certainly one of our Navy’s a whole lot of 1000’s of World Conflict II Veterans – for his service to our nation throughout a defining interval in world historical past,” stated SECNAV Del Toro. “After the struggle, Smith, like so many members of this biggest era, returned to their civilian careers, however endlessly remained happy with their service.”
James Smith thanked SECNAV Del Toro on behalf of his father, calling the award presentation “a fantastic honor for which our household is grateful.”
Congress established the Distinguished Flying Cross, July 2, 1926. It might be awarded to any Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard personnel, whereas serving within the capability of the Armed Forces, who distinguish themselves for heroism or excellent achievement whereas collaborating in aerial flight.
The Air Medal is awarded for sustained efficiency whereas collaborating in aerial flight beneath fight situations.
In receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, Petty Officer Smith joins the ranks of Charles Lindbergh and the Wright Brothers, in addition to fellow Navy recipients President George H.W. Bush and United States Senator John S. McCain.
“To Petty Officer Smith’s household, I’m assured there isn’t a doubt in your minds that his actions met the standards above for these two awards. His devotion to responsibility in assist of his fellow Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Troopers was certainly unwavering all through his time in service, and I’ve little question you are taking satisfaction in his accomplishments to maintain our Nation free,” stated Del Toro.
