Albert D. Smith was born February 6, 1887, at Farley, Missouri. He enlisted in the Regular Army and served as a private, corporal, and sergeant, Company E, 22nd Infantry, from April 30, 1904, to April 26, 1907. He then served as private, private first class, corporal and sergeant, Aviation Section, Signal Corps, from March 10, 1915, to August 17, 1916. He was a captain in the Signal Reserve on June 25, 1917, and was called to active duty for World War service on August 23, 1917. He was promoted to major (temporary) on October 23, 1917, and was honorably discharged on July 14, 1920. He was commissioned a captain in the Air Service of the Regular Army to rank from July 1, 1920.
SERVICE
Upon being called to active duty in August 1917, after being commissioned a captain in the Signal Reserve, he was assigned to the Aviation School at Rockwell Field, San Diego, California. He transferred to McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio, the following October as Acting Commanding Officer until December 1919, when he assumed command of the Pilot School Detachment, Air Service Pilots School, at March Field, California. In October 1920, he became Squadron and Post Adjutant, 9th Aero Squadron, Mather Field, California, and, due to injuries suffered in an airplane accident earlier in his career, was retired by reason of disability in line of duty on April 7, 1923.
He was recalled to active duty on October 15, 1940, and was assigned to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he served as Base Operations Officer and Supervisor, Army Extension School, at the Albuquerque Air Base. In June 1942 he was designated Commander of the Eastern Sector, Air Transport Command, in the North American Theater of Operations. He became a Base Commander in the North American Theater of Operations in July 1943.
In March 1944 he became Commanding General, Greenland Base Command, and in May 1944 he was named Commanding General of the United States Army Forces in the Azores.
He was the first man to cross the continent and return in an airplane.
PROMOTIONS
He was retired on April 17, 1923, for disability in line of duty, and was promoted to major on the retired list on June 21, 1930. He was called to active duty as a captain on October 15, 1940, and was promoted to major (temporary) on September 10, 1941; lieutenant colonel (temporary) on March 1, 1942; to colonel (temporary) on that same date, March 1, 1942; to brigadier general (temporary) on March 3, 1944.
DECORATIONS
He was awarded the Legion of Merit in August 1943, with the following citation:
“For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services from 6 June 1942 to 21 June 1943. As Commander of the Eastern Sector, Colonel Smith undertook one of the most difficult organizational assignments of the entire Air Transport Command. At that time, the main base in this theater of operations was under the control of the Royal Canadian Air Force and no hangars or repair facilities had been established for Air Transport Command. Due to the lack of adequate radio communications, weather reports, and other navigational aids, flying conditions were extremely hazardous and operations generally were impeded by inclement weather conditions. In the face of these discouraging obstacles, Colonel Smith displayed a devotion to duty and a tenacity of purpose that refused to recognize impossibility of accomplishment. His tactful and efficient cooperation with the Royal Canadian Air Force resulted in the expeditious construction of auxiliary weather stations, extensive communication facilities, and adequate landing fields. Colonel Smith by his keen judgement, outstanding professional skill and tactful handling of negotiations, contributed materially to the successful completion of a vital mission.”
General Smith was awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster to the Legion of Merit in 1945.
Up to date as of 4 June 1945.