Eugene Smith (aviator) facts for kids

Eugene Smith (born 1918 – died November 21, 2012) was an amazing American pilot and lawyer. He was a lieutenant with the famous Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. He flew important missions in Europe, helping to protect bomber planes. After the war, he became a flight instructor, teaching others how to fly.

When he returned home to Ohio, Eugene Smith studied hard and became a lawyer. He worked as a lawyer for more than 50 years! He even argued a case about the First Amendment (which protects freedoms like speech) in front of the highest court in the country, the Supreme Court of the United States. He also worked to make sure that juries were fair and included people from all backgrounds.

Growing Up

Eugene Smith was born in 1918 in a town called Franklin, Ohio. He went to Withrow High School in Cincinnati. While in high school, he was very active in sports, running track and playing baseball. He graduated in 1936. After high school, he continued his education at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Flying High: A Tuskegee Airman

After finishing college, Eugene Smith joined the United States Army Air Corps. This was during a time when people were often treated differently because of their background. Even though he had mixed European and Native American family, his birth certificate said "colored." Because of this, he was assigned to serve with the brave African-American pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

During World War II, Eugene Smith flew dangerous missions in Europe. He was part of the 332nd Fighter Group. His job was to fly alongside bomber planes, protecting them from enemy attacks. After his combat missions, he became a flight instructor, sharing his flying skills and knowledge with new pilots.

A Career in Law

When Eugene Smith finished his military service, he decided to go to law school. He attended Franklin College of Law in Columbus, Ohio. After becoming a lawyer, he practiced law in Cincinnati for over 50 years.

One of his most important cases was arguing about the First Amendment before the Supreme Court of the United States. This amendment protects important rights like freedom of speech. He also worked as the Chief Trial Lawyer in the Hamilton County, Ohio Public Defender’s Office. In this role, he worked hard to make sure that juries in the county were fair and included people of all races. This was a big step towards equality.

Later Years

In the early 1990s, Eugene Smith retired. He moved to a houseboat at the Turtle Creek Marina in Florence, Indiana. This marina was located on the Ohio River, which forms the border with Kentucky. Eugene Smith passed away on November 21, 2012, at the Harrison County Hospital in Cynthiana, Kentucky.

Learn More

• Executive Order 9981
• Freeman Field Mutiny
• List of Tuskegee Airmen
• Military history of African Americans
• The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
• Tuskegee Airmen