The late Navy Aviation Radioman 3rd Class Peter L. Smith of Colonie has finally received a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal posthumously for his exemplary performance during 167 missions in World War II.
The Distinguished Flying Cross is the highest flight award for heroism or extraordinary achievement. The Air Medal is awarded for sustained performance while participating in aerial flight under combat conditions.
James Smith of Clifton Park, Peter’s son, accepted the medals during a ceremony aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presented the medals.
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“I am humbled by the opportunity to honor Peter L. Smith — one of our Navy’s hundreds of thousands of World War II veterans — for his service to our nation during a defining period in world history,” Del Toro said. “After the war, Smith, like so many members of this greatest generation, returned to their civilian careers, but forever remained proud of their service.
“To Petty Officer Smith’s family, I am confident there is no doubt in your minds that his actions met the criteria above for these two awards,” Del Toro said. “His devotion to duty in support of his fellow sailors, Marines, airmen and soldiers was indeed unwavering throughout his time in service, and I have no doubt you take pride in his accomplishments to keep our nation free.”
After his son discovered Peter never received the medal before he was discharged from the military, he made long efforts to document his dad’s…
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