World War II hero from Troy honored posthumously

There was a huge honor for a Troy native and World War II hero on Thursday.

The Secretary of the Navy presented the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal posthumously to Aviation Radioman Third Class Petty Officer Peter Smith.

Smith enlisted in the Navy two months after the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor. He flew more than 150 combat and support missions before being honorably discharged in February 1946.

Smith’s son, James, accepted the awards on his father’s behalf during a ceremony aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.