This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Smith, Donavon Francis, Lt Gen USAF(Ret).
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Contact Info
Home Town Dowagiac, Michigan
Last Address Windcrest, Texas
Date of Passing Sep 10, 1974
Location of Interment United States Air Force Academy Cemetery (VLM) - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Wall/Plot Coordinates Section 003, Row B, Site 073
He was credited with destroying 5.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 1 probable, 2 damaged, and 2 destroyed on the ground during WWII.
His DSC citation: Awarded for actions during World War II The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Donavon F. Smith (ASN: 0-665628), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on a bomber escort mission against military objectives in the heavily-defended area of Emden, Germany, on 11 December 1943. Near the target the bombers were attacked by a large force of rocket-firing enemy fighters. Disregarding the enemy's superiority in numbers and fire power and the danger from attack by fighters known to be flying above the rocket-carrying aircraft, Lieutenant Smith's flight attacked and became engaged with five ME-110 type fighters. Lieutenant Smith himself destroyed one enemy plane and damaged another. In the heat of battle Lieutenant Smith became separated from his flights and while trying to rejoin he observed an ME-110 airplane below and made a diving attack. He was immediately attacked by a FW-190 fighter from above, and without regard to his personal safety, Lieutenant Smith continued his attacks and destroyed the enemy plane. He then maneuvered into position for a head-on attack against his pursuer. Holding a collision course and firing accurately, Lieutenant Smith closed to such a short range that his enemy, fearing collision, bailed out, leaving his airplane to crash. Through his heroism and exceptional flying skill on this occasion, Lieutenant Smith rendered distinguished and valorous service to our nation. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 26 (April 29, 1944)
Aircraft/Missile Information
Model Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star Length 34.42 ft | 10.49 m Width 38.75 ft | 11.81 m Height 11.25 ft | 3.43 m Engine(s) 1 x Allison J33-A-21 turbojet engine generating 4,500 lb of thrust. Empty Weight 8,175 lbs | 3,708 kg MTOW 15,999 lbs | 7,257 kg Max Speed 577 mph | 928 km/h | 501 kts Max Range 790 miles | 1,271 km Ceiling 45,499 ft | 13,868 m | 8.6 miles Climb Rate 5,000 ft/min (1,524 m/min) Hardpoints 2 Armament 6 x 12.7mm machine guns
Mission-specific ordnance can include any of the following:
2 x 1,000lb dumb bombs 8 x air-to-surface rockets Accommodations 1
