Retired lieutenant colonel honored at Sturgis Rally

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley J. Woolridge
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Serving in three consecutive wars and garnering multiple medals would be reason enough to recognize a military veteran.

Retired Lt. Col. Donald Smith has done that, and more. Smith made it through 34 B-17 combat missions during World War II without so much as a scratch.

Friends, family and other supporters gathered inside a tent in downtown Sturgis on the afternoon of Aug. 7, to witness retired Lt. Col. Donald Smith being recognized for his outstanding military service.

Every year, a local veteran is honored at the conclusion of the Dakota Thunder Motorcycle Run as part of Military Appreciation Day at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Leaders from the Army, Ellsworth and the local community speak about the selected servicemember's career and present them with tokens of esteem.

Smith spent 32 years in the Air Force as a co-pilot for B-17s and various other aircraft during World War II, Vietnam and the Korean War.

Dearrell Smith, a retired veteran and Lt. Col. Smith's son, has fond memories of growing up with his father being in the military.

"We were very disciplined," Smith said with a grin. "But we never had it so good."

After being coined by two leading officials from the Army, Smith was also thanked for his service by Mark Carstensen, Sturgis mayor.

"I hereby proclaim today as `Retired Lt. Col. Donald R. Smith Day'," Carstensen said.

Joined by several family members on a special trip from Wisconsin, as well as friends and other well-wishers, Smith listened to Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th Bomb Wing commander, recount the highlights of his career, with a bowed head and a gentle smile.

"During most of his 34 combat missions, Don Smith was the only experienced aviator on his aircraft," Weatherington said.

Weatherington then presented Smith with an American flag that was flown over Kabul, Afghanistan by an Ellsworth B-1 on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Also included in the shadow box was a piece of 88mm shell that blew Smith's left rudder pedal off during one of his B-17 combat missions over Germany.

Marcia Ginther, a teacher and Lt. Col. Smith's niece, said her uncle does not seek recognition.

"He's always been very humble and respectful," Ginther explained. "He has a very giving personality, and that still shows - he's an extraordinary man."

Smith smiled as he searched for words during the emotional conclusion to his presentation.

"I'm just a country boy," Smith said. "You all have made me truly speechless."

To cap off the day, an Ellsworth B-1 performed a flyover at 500 knots down Main Street.

"I've never received a greater honor in my life," Smith said. "This is absolutely amazing."