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Hilliard C. Smathers papers, 1930-1986, Date acquired: 11/27/1997, bulk 1930 - 1950

 

Summary

Creator:
Smathers, Hilliard C.
Extent:
1.00 boxes
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Title of Item], [Date of Item], [Box and Folder number], Hilliard C. Smathers papers, Special Collections & Archives, Florida State University Libraries, Tallahassee, Florida. http://purl.fcla.edu/fsu/WWII_97_0062.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains six Aviator's Flight Log Books from Captain Hilliard C. Smathers' time as a pilot with the U.S. Navy, from 1930-1951. Also included is the flag that flew in Smathers' honor over the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. and two certificates confirming this occasion. The US Naval Aviator certificate contains a picture of Smathers, as well as the date on which he was officially certified as a Naval Aviator - March 21, 1942 - and three instrument rating cards.

Biographical / historical:

Hilliard C. Smathers was born in North Carolina on June 27, 1908, as listed on his Naval Aviators' certificate. Smathers served for over twenty years in the US Navy, joining twelve years before the United States entered World War II, and he remained for at least six years after. Smathers saw action as a pilot during the Battle of Midway; his plane ran out of gasoline and was forced to land, waiting three days for rescue. Hilliard Smathers lived in Marianna, Florida before enlisting. After the war, he ultimately ended up living in Washington state. He passed away in Oak Island, Washington in 1986.

Acquisition information:

Fred Knutzen

Donation

Custodial history:

Transferred from the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience to FSU Libraries Special Collections & Archives in July 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open to all researchers.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to quote, publish, broadcast or otherwise reproduce from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean for Special Collections & Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Florida State University Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Title of Item], [Date of Item], [Box and Folder number], Hilliard C. Smathers papers, Special Collections & Archives, Florida State University Libraries, Tallahassee, Florida. http://purl.fcla.edu/fsu/WWII_97_0062.

Location of this collection:
116 Honors Way
Tallahassee
FL
32306-2047
USA