Robert Watson Smith was born on June 29, 1921, in Mille Lacs, County, Minnesota. A graduate of Washburn high school, Smith received his pilot's license at the naval air station at Wold-Chamberlain field in June 1941. He enlisted in the service in February 1942 and received his commission and wings at South Plains, Texas. He was sent to England in April 1944.

Robert served in the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, as a Flight Officer 93rd Troop Carrier Squadron, 435th Troop Carrier Group, as a Flight Officer during World War II. F/O Smith was Killed in Action on June 7, 1944, at the age of 22 in France. He is now buried in the Benton County Cemetery, Sauk Rapids, Benton County, Minnesota, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com