Lexington in Cleveland County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Col. John L. Smith
Photographed by Jerome W Walker, January 18, 2020
1. Col. John L. Smith Marker
Birthplace & Boyhood Home
Col. John L. Smith
Dec. 26, 1914 - June 10, 1972
Col. John Lucien Smith U.S.M.C. In 54 days of aerial combat in the Solomon Islands he destroyed 19 Japanese planes to become the leading air ace of World War II at that time. His awards include the Medal of Honor, the Navy Cross, the British Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Honor and the Air Medal with One Star.
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Medal series list.
Location. 35° 1.22′ N, 97° 20.173′ W. Memorial is in Lexington, Oklahoma, in Cleveland County. It is at the intersection of 89er Park Street and U.S. 77, on the left when traveling east on 89er Park Street. The marker is located in Lexington's '89er Park. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 815 N Main Street, Lexington OK 73051, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in Central Oklahoma Frontier Country and in Greater Oklahoma City. It is also in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Run of '89 South Boundary (a few steps from this marker); Camp Holmes Treaty (within shouting distance of this marker); Lexington-Purcell Toll Bridges (approx. 0.7 miles away); The James C. Nance Bridge (approx. 1.4 miles away); Purcell (approx. 1½ miles away); Desert Storm Honor Roll
this page online
Also see . . . John Smith (flying ace) - Wikipedia. (Submitted on January 23, 2020, by Jerome Walker of Moore, Oklahoma.)
Photographed by Don Morfe
2. Col. John L. Smith Marker
Col. Smith is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Section 3, Site 2503-H-2. The site is at the coordinates of 38.8731, -77.0727. His Medal of Honor citation is: For conspicuous gallantry and heroic achievement in aerial combat above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 223 during operations against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands area, August-September 1942. Repeatedly risking his life in aggressive and daring attacks, Maj. Smith led his squadron against a determined force, greatly superior in numbers, personally shooting down 16 Japanese planes between 21 August and 15 September 1942. In spite of the limited combat experience of many of the pilots of this squadron, they achieved the notable record of a total of 83 enemy aircraft destroyed in this period, mainly attributable to the thorough training under Maj. Smith and to his intrepid and inspiring leadership. His bold tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, and the valiant and zealous fortitude of the men of his command not only rendered the enemy's attacks ineffective and costly to Japan, but contributed to the security of our advance base. His loyal and courageous devotion to duty sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Photographed by Jerome W Walker, January 18, 2020
3. Col. John L. Smith Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2020, by Jerome Walker of Moore, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 667 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 23, 2020, by Jerome Walker of Moore, Oklahoma. 2. submitted on January 29, 2020, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on January 23, 2020, by Jerome Walker of Moore, Oklahoma. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
