Philip Roland Smothermon

LIEUTENANT COLONEL PHILIP ROLAND "SKIP" SMOTHERMON
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Philip Roland "Skip" Smothermon was born on March 20, 1935, in Rocky Ford, Colorado, to Curles and Clara (Williams) Smothermon, later growing up in nearby Sugar City. Demonstrating early leadership and aptitude, Skip earned a prestigious Senatorial appointment to represent Colorado as a member of the pioneer Class of 1959 at the newly established United States Air Force Academy. During his cadet years in Cadet Squadron 2, he served on the Escort Committee and showcased his marksmanship as a key member of the USAFA Pistol Team. On June 3, 1959, he graduated as part of the Academy's historic first graduating class and married his beloved bride, Mary Catherine Ruth.

Upon commissioning, Skip entered Primary and Basic Pilot Training at Moore Air Base and Webb Air Force Base, Texas. After earning his pilot wings in 1960, he served as a flight instructor, mentoring the next generation of Air Force aviators at Webb AFB, Randolph AFB, and James Connally AFB across multiple training squadrons.

When the conflict in Southeast Asia escalated, Lt Col Smothermon answered the call to combat. In 1967, he deployed to South Vietnam as an Air Liaison Officer and Forward Air Controller (FAC) with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) at Chu Lai. Flying hazardous low-altitude missions over hostile territory, Skip was shot down during combat operations, surviving the crash and earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, and the Purple Heart.

Following a staff tour at Headquarters Alaskan Air Command (AAC), he transitioned to tactical fighters, flying the F-4 Phantom II. His operational assignments included combat/tactical fighter tours with the 4535th Tactical Fighter Squadron at George AFB, California, the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udorn Air Base, Thailand (1973–1974), and the 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Hahn Air Base, West Germany (1974–1977). He closed out his 24-year military career as Director of Command & Control for Ninth Air Force at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel decorated with 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 18 Air Medals.

Beyond the cockpit, Skip was a devoted family man to his wife Mary Catherine and their five children: Philip, Susan, Kirt, Richard, and Ruth. Upon retiring from active duty in 1979, Skip and Mary Catherine co-owned businesses in Chandler, Oklahoma, where Skip actively served his local community as a volunteer EMT.

Pursuing a passion for education, Skip completed post-graduate studies at Central State University in 1983 to earn his teaching credentials. He dedicated his second career to teaching mathematics, physics, and computer science—first at Wellston High School and later at Midwest City High School until his final retirement in 1999. Known for his dry sense of humor, steadfast integrity, and quiet strength, Skip passed away on August 16, 2019, at the age of 84, leaving behind an enduring legacy as an Air Force pioneer, combat hero, educator, and devoted family patriarch.


EDUCATION

B.S., United States Air Force Academy (1959)
Post-Graduate Teaching Certification, Central State University (1983)

MEDALS & AWARDS

Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross (3 awards)
Bronze Star Medal with Valor (2 awards)
Purple Heart

Air Medal (18 awards)
Air Force Commendation Medal


SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

1959 – 1960 Student Pilot (Pilot Training) Moore AB, TX / Webb AFB, TX
1960 – 1962 Instructor Pilot 3560th Pilot Training Squadron, Webb AFB, TX
1962 – 1964 Instructor Pilot 3510th Flying Training Squadron, Randolph AFB, TX
1964 – 1965 Instructor Pilot 3541st Tactical Fighter Squadron, James Connally AFB, TX
1967 – 1968 Air Liaison Officer / Forward Air Controller 20th TASS, Chu Lai, South Vietnam
1968 – 1972 Tactical Operations Staff Officer Headquarters Alaskan Air Command (AAC)
1972 – 1973 Fighter Pilot (F-4) 4535th Tactical Fighter Squadron, George AFB, CA
1973 – 1974 Fighter Pilot (F-4) 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Udorn AB, Thailand
1974 – 1977 Fighter Pilot (F-4) 496th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Hahn AB, West Germany
1977 – 1979 Director of Command & Control HQ 9th Air Force, Shaw AFB, SC
1979 – 1983 Small Business Owner & Volunteer EMT Chandler, OK
1984 – 1988 Mathematics Teacher Wellston High School, Wellston, OK
1988 – 1999 Physics & Mathematics Teacher Midwest City High School, Midwest City, OK