WW2 FlyingTigers Fallen - DFC hero and P-51 pilot Lawrence Smith + diamond inventor

P-51 pilot Lt. Lawrence Smith earned the Distinguished Flying Cross while serving with the 23rd Fighter Group in China.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/44738652/lawrence-willie-smith
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/472174342168817384/?lp=true

Lawrence Wille Smith never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.

He was born on October 20, 1919 in Mont Belvieu, Texas. His parents Wille and Mosie were also both born in Texas. His father worked as an oil well laborer. Lawrence had one younger brother. By 1940 Lawrence was still living at home and had completed one year of college on a scholarship he had earned. He studied aeronautical engineering.

He volunteered for the Army Air Forces in January 1942. After being trained to fly he became a first lieutenant in the 74th Fighter Squadron, 23rd Fighter Group, 14th Air Force, which was equipped with P-51 Mustangs. The 23rd FG replaced the famed American Volunteer Group, better known as The Flying Tigers, which fought for China before America's entry into the war.

After furthering his training in India for a few months, Lt. Smith began serving with his unit in April 1943. The mission taskings of the 23rd FG included counter air campaigns, strafing and bombing Japanese forces and installations, escorting bombers, flying reconnaissance missions, and intercepting Japanese bombers.

Lt. Smith earned the Distinguished Flying Cross during his nine months with the 23rd FG.

"for extraordinary achievement while participating in forty-eight combat missions against the enemy in China, Burma and Indo-China between April 20, 1943 and Jan. 17, 1944. Lieut Smith flew these missions under adverse weather conditions and over rough and inadequately mapped terrain. Enemy fire was probably and often encountered.

"While participating in the 'Rice Bowl' campaign in China between Nov. 25, 1942 and Dec. 21, 1943, he flew fourteen offensive missions, engaging in aerial battle on five occasions. He was credited with one enemy plane destroyed and two probably shot down as a result of these engagements. His accomplishments are in accord with the Army Air Forces fine traditions."

Lt. Smith was killed on January 18, 1944 when his plane crashed during a storm.

His grave is at Mont Belvieu Methodist Cemetery in Mont Belvieu, Texas.

Thank you Lt. Smith for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Lawrence.

TRACY HALL
Tracy Hall was born on the exact same date as Lawrence Smith. Hall was born in Utah. At an early age he decided to become a scientist. He managed to earn both a BSc and MSc from the University of Utah by 1942.

Hall joined the US Navy and served for two years as an ensign during World War 2.

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2015/06/10-bonus-h-tracy-hall-invention-synthetic-diamond/

After the war he earned a PhD in chemistry. Dr. Hall is best know for inventing the process to create a synthetic diamond in 1954. (Coincidentally, Dr. Hall was a neighbor of my wife's family when she was growing up.) He died in 2008.

Last year on this date I profiled B-24 pilot Leroy Madson. You can read about Leroy here.

On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!

I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.

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WW2 Fallen 100 is supported by

The Greatest GENERATIONS Foundation

“Where Every Day is Memorial Day”

http://www.tggf.org