https://vpiworldwarone.lib.vt.edu/files/original/97acba41bcbdf519d3a2227eb56ebcac.jpg cf4229a03d51ad0d76fc851481b514b0 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Description An account of the resource Lieutenant Bernard L. Smith, 1913 and a Curtiss C-3. From the Bernard Smith Collection (COLL/1691), Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections OFFICIAL USMC PHOTOGRAPH Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource VPI Class of 1909 Person An individual. Last Name Smith First and Middle Name Bernard Lewis Birth Date 19 June 1886 Death Date 2 February 1947 VPI Graduating Class In what VPI class did this individual graduate or what class should they have graduated from? 1909 (1910?) Service Branch What branch of the military did this individual serve in? Marine Corps Bibliography <ul><li>Photograph of Lieutenant Bernard L. Smith, 1913 and a Curtiss C-3 from the Bernard Smith Collection (COLL/1691), <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/usmcarchives/9897476625/in/photostream/" title="Bernard L. Smith" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Marine Corps Archives & Special Collections</a>.</li> <li>http://www.earlyaviators.com/esmithbl.htm</li> <li>https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=35833888</li> <li>http://www.timetableimages.com/ttimages/aerombi1.htm#smith</li> <li>https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/marine-corps-aviation-early-days</li> </ul> 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<a> U.S. Marine Corps</a> after graduation as a Second Lieutenant and became the second Marine in USMC history to obtain a naval flying license in 1911. <div class="text_exposed_show"> 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. </div> 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. Nicknames or Other Names Barney Hometown Richmond City County and/or State Virginia Birthplace Richmond City Cause of Death Fatal auto accident when struck by a train Place of Death Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, Florida Spouse(s) First wife: Marguerita Sylva Second wife:Reine Smith Undergraduate Major What did this individual major in while at VPI? Aerospace Engineer Graduated Yes or no, did this individual graduate from VPI? Yes Rank What military rank did this individual hold? Captain Retired Rank What military rank did this individual hold upon retirement? Resigned from active duty as Captain in the USMC in January 1920 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 What significant military events occurred in this individual's life? Second Marine Corps aviator (6th Naval aviator) 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 What battles or engagements was this individual involved in during World War One? None Other Events What other significant events, outside of the military, occurred in this individual's life? Set up Marine Corps Barrage Balloon program during WWII Air Base Commander at Yokosuka, Japan Postwar Life What did this individual do after the war? Superintendent and Chief Engineer of Aeromarine Airways in Key West, Florida Contributing Researchers Gregory Milhiser Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Smith, Bernard Lewis