R. G. Smith (3) (1914–2001)

The career of R.G. Smith is unique in the field of aviation. His 50 years in aircraft design include participation in the conceptual or configuration phase of nearly all tactical military airplanes built by Douglas Aircraft Company. During these years, he has also achieved international recognition as an artist whose paintings hang in airline executive offices and military establishments throughout the world. His Navy combat tours include Vietnam twice, the Aleutians, and the Indian Ocean. The Navy acknowledged his personal contribution to naval aviation when they appointed him an “Honorary Naval Aviator,” an honor given to only a few other individuals at that time. R.G. Smith’s vast experience in the military aircraft design field has been paralleled by similar contributions to commercial aviation.