This Military Service Page was created/owned by
PO1 Jeff Frey (Ace)
to remember
Smith, Michael J., CAPT.
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Contact Info
Last Address Beaufort
Date of Passing Jan 28, 1986
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Captain Smith was assigned as Pilot on STS-51-L. Captain Smith died on 28 Jan 1986 when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded after launch from the Kennedy Space Center.
Other Comments:
Promoted posthumously by Congress to the rank of Captain.
Space Shuttle Mission STSS 51-L was NASA's "Teacher in Space" mission. Concord High School Teacher, Christa McAuliffe was also aboard.
Flew 28 different types of civilian and military aircraft, logging 4,867.7 hours of flying time.
Chair named in his honor at the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School.
Namesake for the Michael J. Smith Airport in Beaufort, North Carolina.
Image
Vietnam Service Medal - 2003
Name of Award Vietnam Service Medal
Devices
none
Year Awarded 2003
Last Updated: Apr 29, 2007
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed