Graham Smith (pilot) facts for kids

Graham "Peepsight" Smith (born April 19, 1919 – died April 30, 1951) was a brave pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force. He was a combat fighter pilot. He flew with the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron. This group was famously known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

Graham Smith was part of the fourth group of aviation cadets trained by the Tuskegee Airmen. He was one of 1,007 pilots who were part of this special group. Smith was the first African American U.S. military combat fighter pilot to land on foreign soil. This happened in North Africa, at a place called Oued N’ja in French Morocco. His brother, Reginald V. Smith, also trained as a pilot with the 332nd Fighter Group.

Early Life and Family

Graham Smith was born on April 19, 1919. His hometown was Ahoskie, North Carolina. His parents were Dempsey Porter Smith and Zeora L. Smith. He had a sister, Mildred, and a brother, Reginald V. Smith. Reginald also became a pilot. He graduated from Tuskegee Flight School in 1945. He earned his wings and became a flight officer.

Smith went to the Negro Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina. Today, this school is called North Carolina A&T. While there, he was the treasurer of the Sphinx Club. In 1943, Smith married Annie D. Valentine Hall.

Becoming a Pilot

Before joining the military, Graham Smith learned to fly. The U.S. government wanted more pilots. They also wanted African Americans to be part of aviation. So, they started the Civilian Pilot Training Program. This program helped train pilots at several historically Black colleges.

Smith's college, North Carolina A&T, was one of these schools. He was one of 20 students chosen for the program. Over 100 students had applied. The program taught students about aeronautics and how planes fly. They also spent many hours flying to earn a private pilot certificate.

Military Service and World War II

In 1942, Smith joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He went to Advanced Flight School at Tuskegee Army Airfield. On July 3, 1942, he graduated. He earned his wings and became a 2nd Lieutenant. He was then assigned to the 332nd Fighter Group's 99th Fighter Squadron. He flew with them from 1943 to 1945.

On May 5, 1943, Smith and Lieutenant James T. Wiley made history. They were the first two P-40 pilots from the 99th Fighter Squadron to land in North Africa. This happened at Oued N’ja in French Morocco. In 1944, Smith returned to the United States.

Korean War and Death

After World War II, Smith left the military. But he returned to serve in the Korean War. He flew with the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing. He was also part of the 12th Fighter Bomber Squadron.

By 1951, Smith had become a Captain. On April 30, 1951, his aircraft was shot down. This happened during a combat mission near Miudong, North Korea. He died from his injuries. At first, he was listed as Missing in Action. Later, his status was changed to presumed dead.

Graham Smith was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. This is a special cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Awards and Honors

Captain Graham Smith received several awards for his service:

• Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
• Purple Heart
• Korean Service Medal
• United Nations Service Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Republic of Korea War Service Medal

Legacy

In 2007, the government of North Carolina honored Graham Smith. They passed a special resolution. It recognized the legacy of Smith, his brother Reginald, and other Tuskegee Airmen from North Carolina.

See also

• Executive Order 9981
• List of Tuskegee Airmen
• List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
• Military history of African Americans