Donovan F. Smith

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donovan F. Smith (0-665628), First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 11 December 1943, during an air mission over Emden, Germany. On this date First Lieutenant Smith shot down two enemy aircraft and assisted in the destruction of a third. First Lieutenant Smith’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.