  (Shoot down date.)  On May 20, 1967, then-CDR Homer L. Smith, Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron 212, was lost during a strike mission against an enemy target in North Vietnam, while flying A-4E Skyhawk BuNo. 149652 NP 233 from the carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). Under adverse weather conditions, Commander Smith led two separate and successful attacks on two strategically important and heavily defended thermal power plants located in difficult terrain in North Vietnam. Commander Smith's Skyhawk was shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire during the second mission. He was captured by the enemy and subsequently died in captivity. Smith was posthumously promoted to the rank of Captain and awarded the Navy Cross, the Navy's highest combat award, for extraordinary heroism. By his inspiring and courageous devotion to duty, Captain Smith upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Captain Smith is remembered on "The Wall," Panel 20E, Line 68. |