Melton Smith

Personal Information

Birthplace: Ramon, KS

Service Information

Branch of Service: Army Air Corps

Theater of Operation: American

Enlisted / Commissioned: Aug 19, 1942

Highest Rank: Pvt.

Honored By: The Dickinson County Heritage Center and The Eisenhower Foundation

Biography

Melton Smith “Mutt” was born south of Hope, KS. He was working on farms including land owned by Ambrose Lorson, after High School. Smith was inducted into the Army Air corps August 19, 1942. On a furlough in April, Smith married Emily Linder. Smith spent basic training in Camp Chico, CA, training for radio mechanics. He worked on radios on the ground and in the air. His first trip in an airplane didn’t go well as Smith became seasick. On the next run, the pilot asked Smith how he was doing. Smith replied he was ready to take anything. The pilot surprised him with an aerial loop.