AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  C-47

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Flight Officer Luther E. Smith, Jr. for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a C-47 type aircraft. On 28 June 1944, Lieutenant Smith flew on a mission to deliver vital military supplies in enemy-held southern Yugoslavia to a landing strip where the enemy was less than four miles distant. Although daylight strafing and bombing raids had made the landing strip extremely rough, Lieutenant Smith made a successful landing guided only by five goose packed flares on each side of the runway. Due to the close proximity of the enemy and promiscuous shelling and mortar fire taking place while the aircraft was being unloaded, Lieutenant Smith was ordered to take off immediately. Displaying superior flying ability, Lieutenant Smith made an excellent take-off in spite of being fired upon continuously while gaining altitude. On fifty-two night combat missions his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.