Melton Smith "Mutt" was born south of Hope, KS. He was working on farms including land owned by Ambrose Lorson, after High School. Smith was inducted into the Army Air corps August 19, 1942. On a furlough in April, Smith married Emily Linder. Smith spent basic training in Camp Chico, CA, training for radio mechanics. He worked on radios on the ground and in the air. His first trip in an airplane didn't go well as Smith became seasick. On the next run, the pilot asked Smith how he was doing. Smith replied he was ready to take anything. The pilot surprised him with an aerial loop.