Smart, Jacob E., 1909-2006

Jacob Edward Smart (b. 1909, Ridgeland, S.C.-d. Nov. 12, 2006), General in the U.S. Air Force, graduated from West Point in 1931 and after completing flying training, served in pursuit, observation and flying training units until he became chief of flying training, Air Corps Headquarters. In 1943 he was assigned to the 9th Bomber Command in the Middle East, and in 1944 was transferred to the 15th Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations as commanding officer, 97th Bomb Group. While flying his 29th combat mission, General Smart was wounded and became a prisoner of war for nearly a year. In 1951, he was assigned as deputy for operations of the Far East Air Force and was again wounded during the Korean War. General Smart served as deputy commander in chief, U.S. European Command from 1964 until his retirement in July 1966.