Military man in Austin H. Winn’s letters 4
Mentioned in letters as: K. G. Smith
Co-pilot on Austin’s new July 1945 crew; Austin noted Smith had fewer missions than most of the enlisted men. Likely “Kent Smith C.P.” (co-pilot) on the City of Annapolis crew photograph in manuscript chapter 18.
The letters name him K. G. Smith, co-pilot on Austin’s new July 1945 crew, with fewer missions than most of the enlisted men, and the crew photograph reads “Kent Smith C.P.” He is distinct from Sgt. Smith at Marfa and from Kate Smith. Public records add the name and the group, not the crew.
The 20th Air Force association’s 19th Bomb Group file lists Kent G. Smith as a 1st lieutenant. The page title also places him with the 93rd Bomb Squadron. It records a Distinguished Flying Cross dated 2 October 1945, General Order 81, and says the file is incomplete. It does not name a crew, an airplane, or a duty. No newspaper account, Missing Air Crew Report, or Find a Grave memorial was found that identifies the co-pilot on Austin’s July crew, so that identification stays with the letters.
Sources: 20af.org — Kent G. Smith, 19th Bomb Group; 20af.org — 19th Bomb Group roster (S).