[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E15-E16]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN LUTHER H. SMITH, JR., U.S. ARMY AIR FORCES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE SESTAK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 13, 2010

  Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor today the memory of 
a great American hero, Captain Luther H. Smith, Jr., U.S. Army Air 
Forces, who will be buried with full military honors in Arlington 
National Cemetery on Friday, 15 January. Captain Smith was one of the 
original Tuskegee Airmen, a highly decorated World War II prisoner of 
war, a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, the first African-
American aerospace engineer hired by General Electric in its Missile 
and Space Operations in Philadelphia, a loving husband and father, and 
a longtime resident of Villanova, PA.
  Captain Smith was born in Des Moines, Iowa on September 27, 1920. His 
early dreams to serve as a military aviator were fulfilled when he 
joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and began training at Alabama's 
Tuskegee Army Air Field and Tuskegee Institute. One of the first 
African Americans to become a licensed pilot, Captain Smith began his 
military career in 1943. He flew 133 combat missions with the 332nd 
Fighter Group as a combat fighter pilot over Europe. He was severely 
wounded on his last mission on Friday, 13 October 1944, and spent the 
next seven months in enemy hospitals and prison camps before being 
liberated in May 1945 by the Allied forces. During his distinguished 
military career, Captain Smith destroyed 2 German aircraft in aerial 
conflicts and 10 aircraft in ground strafing attacks. Captain Smith was 
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf 
Clusters, the Purple Heart, the Prisoner of War Medal, and 8 European 
Theater Campaign Ribbons.
  After retiring from the U.S. Army Air Forces, Captain Smith completed 
his engineering education at the University of Iowa, earning a B.S. in 
mechanical engineering. He was hired by General Electric where he was 
involved in projects for the Air Force, the Navy Submarine Command, and 
NASA. His work included missile and jet engine design and he published 
numerous papers and was awarded two patents.
  Following his retirement from GE in 1988, Captain Smith was active in 
support of local civic causes, serving as the vice-chairman of the 
Radnor Township (PA) School Board and on the Board of the Delaware 
County (PA) Community College.
  He also was instrumental in capturing the history of the Tuskegee 
Airmen--so that present and future generations of Americans

[[Page E16]]

could understand their significance. He believed passionately that 
``racial equality in America started in the skies over Europe.'' He and 
two other Tuskegee Airmen were featured in the 2006 Documentary ``On 
Freedom's Wings: Bound for Glory, the Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen'' 
which was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum in Media, PA. 
He also designed the plaque dedicated in memory of the Tuskegee Airmen 
in Arlington National Cemetery. In May 1995, he was selected by 
President Bill Clinton to represent the U.S. Air Force for the 50th 
Anniversary Celebration of VE Day, and he accompanied President Clinton 
and Vice-President Gore to Europe.
  Captain Smith was a member of a unique group of men who possessed an 
unabashed devotion to this nation and a belief in the strength of 
American values, even at a time when their country's laws failed to 
reflect the values for which they fought.
  On Friday, at 9:05 AM, the First Fighter Wing from Langley Air Force 
Base will offer the ultimate recognition of Captain Smith's service to 
this nation. Like Captain Smith, throughout its storied history, the 
U.S. Air Force First Fighter Wing has been a trailblazer--leading the 
way in bringing new fighters operational. Four F-15 fighter jets will 
flyover the internment services for Captain Smith. In the words of 
Captain Smith's son Gordon--``I would like to think that my Dad will be 
beaming with joy and appreciation.''
  To Captain Smith's widow, Lois G. Smith, his son Gordon and daughter 
Deborah, I offer this tribute. As this nation prepares to honor the 
memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, it is fitting that we also 
honor the memory of Captain Luther H. Smith, Jr.--like Dr. King, a 
great American hero who fought to realize America's commitment to 
freedom for all.

                          ____________________