The Captain & The Commercial Artist

Arthur Belmont Smith was my 1st cousin 1x removed. He was the first born child of Perley and Agnes Smith. Perley was brother to my grandfather Malcolm.

Arthur was born on June 12, 1919 in Bridgewater, MA. and graduated from the Normal High School. 

On July 19, 1941, at the age of 22 Arthur enlisted in the US Army Air Corp in Falmouth, MA at Camp Edwards as a radio Technician for a period of three years. He served in China, Burma, India Theatre of Operations, rec'd the distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medals.

Phyllis Belair was born on Sept 16, 1917 in Meriden, Conn. She attended Meriden High school where she played the violin in the school orchestra. Her year book described her, "Who knows most says the least". She was a graduate in the class 1935.

Phyllis received her Registered Nursing Degree at Children's Hospital in Boston.

During WW11 Phyllis, known as Phil, joined the army and earned the rank of Captain.  She was deployed in the European Theatre from Jan 1942 to Jan 1946. She was a member of the Harvard Unit, the first nursing unit to land on Normandy.

When Arthur was discharged from the Military he went back home and enrolled at the Boston Art School.  Arthur received his degree in Commercial Art. 

It seems plausible that Arthur and Phyllis met while they were both in the Army. Perhaps Arthur was injured or ill and she tended to him. Perhaps even in Boston where they went to college. Just seems like they were destined to meet.

They were married in June 1948 at the Bridgewater Congregational Church with the Rev. Mr. Coe officiating.  Phyllis at this time was the assistant to Dr. Engelbert Dumphy at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston.

Soon after the couple moved to Kirkwood, New York where Arthur had his own Commercial Artist Business.

They had three children, and six great grandchildren 

Arthur passed away at the age of 73 in Kirkwood, New York on June 1, 1993.  He was a retired commercial artist with his own business, a member of  the Mason-Fellowship Lodge and the Lions Club. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. He was cremated and laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

Phyllis retired after 30 years as a school nurse teacher. Then she moved to Venice, Florida where she was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church .

Phyllis passed away at the age of 89 in Venice Florida. She was cremated and laid to rest with Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery on December 3, 2007 at 11:00.