User:HueSatLum/Michael King Smith



Michael King Smith (January 20, 1966–March 20, 1995) was a captain in the United States Air Force.

Biography
Smith was raised in McMinnville, Oregon. He received his pilot's license at the age of sixteen. Smith became an Eagle Scout in 1983. Six years later, he received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He became an F-15 pilot and flight lead for the 123d Fighter Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard.

Education
He attended McMinnville High School, where he was class president as a sophomore and senior. He graduated in 1984. He then attended University of Washington, where he graduated in 1989. He was first in his class when he graduated from Columbus Air Force Base. He received honors such as the Commander’s Trophy, the Distinguished Graduate Award, and the Flying Excellence Award.

Death
On March 20, 1995, Smith died of injuries sustained as a passenger in a car accident. A fellow passenger, Major Rhory Roger Draeger, died after the same collision.