Post Script 48

On March 6, 2003 Edward M. “Sody” Smith was honored during the Department of Virginia’s Spring Conference with a formal presentation of The Distinguished Flying Cross.

The Distinguished Flying Cross was presented with remarks being given from the Department of Virginia’s Commander George Lussier. The National Vice Commander Robert Johnson had the honor of pinning The Distinguished Flying Cross onto Sody’s Chest.

Thanks to the persistent assistance and follow through of Legionnaire Pete Slusar, Sody Smith was able to complete a submission for his Distinguished Flying Cross and have it move through for its final approval. The award was presented fifty-eight years after the actual life saving events that had taken place on January 1, 1945.

Staff Sergeant Edward M. Smith on a bombing mission over a German city of Coblenze saved the life of fellow crew member Gayle Raymond. Gayle Raymond on that same flight had saved the life of all crew members of the B-24 Liberator after a 2,000 pound bomb had failed to release properly. Both men were rewarded by being bestowed with The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism well after the second world war had ended.

The awards presentation was given at the Department of Virginia’s Spring Conference On March 16, 2003.

Both Pete Slusar and Sody Smith are proud members of Phoebus Post 48.





			Local American Legion Hero Edward M. “Sody” Smith Honored for Heroism On March 6, 2003 Edward M. “Sody” Smith was honored during the Department of Virginia’s Spring Conference with a formal presentation of The Distinguished Flying Cross. The Distinguished Flying Cross was presented with remarks being given from the Department of Virginia’s Commander George Lussier. The National Vice Commander Robert Johnson had the honor of pinning The Distinguished Flying Cross onto Sody’s Chest. Thanks to the persistent assistance and follow through of Legionnaire Pete Slusar, Sody Smith was able to complete a submission for his Distinguished Flying Cross and have it move through for its final approval. The award was presented fifty-eight years after the actual life saving events that had taken place on January 1, 1945. Staff Sergeant Edward M. Smith on a bombing mission over a German city of Coblenze saved the life of fellow crew member Gayle Raymond. Gayle Raymond on that same flight had saved the life of all crew members of the B-24 Liberator after a 2,000 pound bomb had failed to release properly. Both men were rewarded by being bestowed with The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism well after the second world war had ended. The awards presentation was given at the Department of Virginia’s Spring Conference On March 16, 2003. Both Pete Slusar and Sody Smith are proud members of Phoebus Post 48.