Smith, Bernard Lewis
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Biographical Text
Bernard L. Smith, who graduated from VPI in 1909 and was from Richmond, Virginia, was Virginia Tech's first military aviator. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation as a Second Lieutenant and became the second Marine in USMC history to obtain a naval flying license in 1911.
In 1914, Smith proposed to the commanding officer of the Naval Flying School in Pensacola, Florida that Marine aviation be organized as a separate entity with it's own definite mission. His recommendation was accepted in 1915 and the first Marine aviation company of 10 officers and 40 enlisted men was created.
During World War I, Smith was assigned as a naval intelligence attache to the French military and flew a number of combat missions with the French Armée de l'Air.
Smith enjoyed a long career in the Marine Corps and was one of a handful of VPI World War I veterans who served in both world wars. As a Lieutenant Colonel in World War II he established the Marine Corps' barrage balloon program and later served as a naval attache in Central America.
After the World War II ended, Colonel Smith retired from the Marine Corps in 1946. Sadly, only a year later, he was killed in a automobile accident. However, Colonel Smith left behind a legacy in USMC aviation which few can match.
Additional Information: B. L. SMITH: Major, US Marine Corps; Virginia Tech’s first aviator, second Marine to obtain naval flying license, naval aviator license #6 (1911); set hydroplane and dirigible records (Aero Club of America Medal); deployed first naval assets to Puerto Rico (Curtis C-1); developed/flew first naval close air support programs; proved the advantage of aerial reconnaissance during naval exercises; naval intelligence attache to France during WW 1, flew combat with the French; Tech's first practical Aerospace Engineer, designed/tested the Navy's first fighter aircraft, the Curtis HA-1/2/3 “Dunkirk Fighter;” helped plan the famous 1919 Navy-Curtis (NC) cross-Atlantic mission with LCDR (Admiral) Richard Byrd. Retired colonel. Appointed Lt. Commander, USNR in 1931; resigned and appointed Major, USMCR in 1937. Released from active duty folling World War II in 1946 with the rank of Colonel, USMCR.
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Spouse(s)
Second wife:Reine Smith
VPI Graduating Class
Undergraduate Major
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Retired Rank
Appointed Lt. Commander, USNR in 1931; resigned and appointed Major, USMCR in 1937. Released from active duty folling World War II in 1946 with the rank of Colonel, USMCR.
Military Events
Made first successful flight in an amphibious aircraft
Established Naval aerial gunnery and bombing school
In October 1918, delivered the Navy dirigible C-1 from Akron, Ohio to Rockaway, New York
Battles or Engagements
Other Events
Air Base Commander at Yokosuka, Japan
Postwar Life
Contributing Researchers
Bibliography
- Photograph of Lieutenant Bernard L. Smith, 1913 and a Curtiss C-3 from the Bernard Smith Collection (COLL/1691), Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections.
- http://www.earlyaviators.com/esmithbl.htm
- https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=35833888
- http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/aerombi1.htm#smith
- https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/marine-corps-aviation-early-days
Files
Comments (if you have information about a veteran or would like to talk about a veteran, also email the project director Daniel Newcomb at danieln1@vt.edu with your information or question)
Fred Allison
How can access these files? thank you
Daniel Newcomb
Fred, what files in specific do you need access to? For the photograph you should at least be able to click on that to access directly.
Joseph Reich
Colonel Smith was engaged in combat operations during the Mexican Conflict prior to WW1, conducted aerial reconnaissance for the Navy, conflict ribbon awarded.