Perry Smith was a fighter pilot who served for 30 years in the U. S. Air Force. Smith’s total number of flying hours as a pilot (mostly in fighter aircraft: F-84, F-100, F-4 and F-15) is 3,400.
He flew 180 combat missions in the F-4D aircraft over North Vietnam and Laos during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the following fighter squadrons, 10th, 615th, 612th, 555th and the following fighter wings. 50th, 401st, 432nd and 36th. Smith is the recipient of two distinguished flying crosses, ten air medals and the bronze star. Other awards include the Air Force distinguished service medal, the Defense distinguished service medal and two legions of merit.
He will be inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame on April 18. 2020.
Cover of “Flying Combat with the Triple Nickel”
If you are interested in a free copy of Flying Combat With The Triple Nickel you can contact Perry thru this website’s contact page and he will send one for with a $5 postage and handling fee. This 55 minute video tells the story of the renown Triple Nickel (555th) Fighter Squadron. Smith flew with this squadron from August, 1968 to August, 1969. This video is dedicated to “Nickels” past, present and future.