Rolland Duaine Smith
Military
Lt. Rolland (Ron) D. Smith
Pilot B-17 1943
486th Bomber Group
4th Bomb Wing
#835 Bomb Squadron, combat bombardment
Sudbury, England Station #174
Uploaded
Object Number - UPL 19998 - My Dad.. Lt. Rolland (Ron) D. Smith Pilot B-17 1943 486th Bomber Group 4th Bomb Wing #835 Bomb Squadron, combat bombardment Sudbury, England...
Member of Ashley crew
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 486th Bomb Group 835th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Pilot
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Acton
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Washington, USA | 26 November 1920 | |
|
Enlisted |
McChord Air Force Base, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, USA | 25 June 1942 | |
|
Died |
Seattle, WA, USA | 8 June 2005 | Rolland D. "Ron" SMITH Seattle mourns the passing of one of its most involved and beloved Community members with the passing of Rolland Duaine "Ron" Smith on June 8th, 2005. He died peacefully in his sleep. Born on Nov. 26, 1920 in Spokane, Ron spent most of his life in Seattle. He attended the University of Washington and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He served our country valiantly in WWII as an Air Force pilot and was awarded many medals including the Purple Heart and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He retired as a Captain of the Air Force Army Air Corps. He flew 38 missions over Europe including D-Day. Ron's love for aviation benefited thousands of visitors (particularly "youngsters") to the Boeing Museum of Flight where he was a docent, or Museum Educator, who shared his passion for flight with enthusiasm. A 3rd generation Shriner, Mason, Order of the Jesters, and Scottish Rite, his charitable activities were numerous and, like Ron himself, understated. Ron was also Past President of the Sand Point Country Club where side bets on his ability to coordinate colorful golfing attired were commonplace. Ron's true passion was his devoted family. He leaves behind his loving Bride and friend of 58 years, Betty Anne Miller- Smith. Ron lived one day long enough to tell his wife he loved her on their 58th Wedding Anniversary. They were married June 7, 1947. He also leaves his adoring children Scott Duaine and Susan Anne Smith, his pride and joy; grandchildren Gina Anne and Alex Michael Busilacchi and Son-in-Law, Luciano Busilacchi. A sister, Constance Anne Rygg and family, Raymon, Gary Ron and Carol Jo, and numerous nieces and nephews. We all will miss him so. His family remembers "the man who could fix anything," with a joke or a hug. His unconditional love and leadership by example made him the respected patriarch who will be deeply missed. His indelible smile, and engaging, genuine spirit will be warmly remembered by anyone Ron ever touched. We will miss him so. Per his and his family's request there will be no services. The family will have a private Celebration of his life at a later date. Any remembrances in his honor should be directed to the Nile Temple, Hospital Supply Corps. |
|
Buried |
Seattle, WA, USA | 11 June 2005 | Calvary Cemetery Seattle King County Washington, USA |
Revisions
Contributorgeneral ira snapsorter
Changes
Sources
Merged with duplicate entry to include details from:
- 466th BG Historian;
- From Scott Smith (Ron's Son);
- the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia;
- WWW.486th.org roster
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia
