[Leslie C. Smith oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Leslie C. Smith is interviewed about his military service with the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. In part one, he describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in the European Theater with the 56th Fighter Group. Topics discussed include his personal background, his training and service history, stories about fellow servicemen, and flight logistics for bomber escort missions.

The interview is conducted by historian Eric M. Hammel.

Leslie C. Smith was born on October 31, 1918 in Mitchell, South Dakota. He joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1941 and graduated from flight training the following year. Assigned to the 56th Fighter Group, Smith served with the 61st Fighter Squadron in England. By 1944, he was promoted to flight commander. After a brief return to the United States, Smith deployed to Europe for a second combat tour, this time as commander of the 62nd Fighter Squadron. He also served with the 65th Fighter Wing in Britain and with the U.S. Air Training Command. After the end of World War II, Smith continued his banking career with the American Trust Company. He also served in the California Air National Guard until his retirement in 1962. Smith passed away in 2016.