Walter A. Smith enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Dec. 6, 1942 and entered active duty Feb. 12, 1942. Walter retired from the U.S. Air Force April 1, 1973 with 30 years 3 months and 2 days service. He flew fighter planes from 1943 through 1972. Among the many fighters he flew were the F-86A, F-86D, F-86F, and the F-86L. Walter was a Life Member of the Sabre Pilots Association.