Boyer - #77-1
Standing L-R: Olshin, Robert G. (NG); Taube, Melvin P. (RO); Giacapuzzi, Peter F. (WG); Canzano, Anthony P. (BG); Fitzhugh, Ovie D. (E); Lancelot, John E. (TT)
Kneeling L-R: Boyer, Clyde L. (P); Keilman, John P. (CP); Lebsack, Jacob R. (B); Smith, Albert E. (N)
Albert E. Smith of Hemet passed away on September 22, 2014 after a battle with Alzheimer's. He was born in Cottage Grove, OR in 1923. In 1942, Al was drafted into the Aymy Air Corps and became a B-24 navigator. He flew 54 combat missions over Italy, Austria, Germany, and the Balkans, earning five air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following World War II, he served in the Air Force Reserve and retired in 1968 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Al graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Business Management in 1949 and was the Business Manager at Oregon Technical Institute for 10 years. He and his wife moved to Hemet in 1983 where he joined the Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was a like member of the BPOE and honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus.