Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame

Brigidier General Philip W. Smyth, Holton, an Assistant Adjutant General for the Kansas Army National Guard, established the competitive marksmanship program and the Kansas Army National Guard radio communications network for mobilization exercises. This network was also used as a backup during times of emergency. Additionally, he established the first version of the Guard newspapaer which is now called the Plains Guardian, which was originally called the Kansas National Guard Newsletter. Smyth also established the first state headquarters public affairs section which became the 105th Public Affairs Detachment.

He worked with the Kansas Legislature to get support for armory maintenance and construction. Over 50 armories and ten organizational maintenance shops were constructed during his tenure. Smyth worked to secure authority and funding for the Kansas National Guard Officer Candidate School.

He enlisted in 1929 as a private in the 60th Field Artillery Brigade, serving with that unit until 1940 when he was commissioned a second lieutenant. In December of 1940, he was activitated with the 35th Infantry Division as Division Radio Officer and later was the commander of the 35th Signal Company. He served as the commander, 247th Signal Operations Company, the Signal Officer, 264th Antiaircraft Artillery Group, and was commander of the 444th Signal Aviation Battalion in the Aleutian Islands in 1945.

He graduated from the U.S. Army Signal School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Smyth served 13 years as brigidier general and Assistant Adjutant General (Army), from October 9, 1957 until his death on January 12, 1971.

He was a member of the American Radio Relay League, the Kaw Valley Radio Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Military Order of World Wars.





			BG PHILIP W. SMYTH
	Brigidier General Philip W. Smyth, Holton, an Assistant Adjutant General for the Kansas Army National Guard, established the competitive marksmanship program and the Kansas Army National Guard radio communications network for mobilization exercises. This network was also used as a backup during times of emergency. Additionally, he established the first version of the Guard newspapaer which is now called the Plains Guardian, which was originally called the Kansas National Guard Newsletter. Smyth also established the first state headquarters public affairs section which became the 105th Public Affairs Detachment. He worked with the Kansas Legislature to get support for armory maintenance and construction. Over 50 armories and ten organizational maintenance shops were constructed during his tenure. Smyth worked to secure authority and funding for the Kansas National Guard Officer Candidate School. He enlisted in 1929 as a private in the 60th Field Artillery Brigade, serving with that unit until 1940 when he was commissioned a second lieutenant. In December of 1940, he was activitated with the 35th Infantry Division as Division Radio Officer and later was the commander of the 35th Signal Company. He served as the commander, 247th Signal Operations Company, the Signal Officer, 264th Antiaircraft Artillery Group, and was commander of the 444th Signal Aviation Battalion in the Aleutian Islands in 1945. He graduated from the U.S. Army Signal School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Smyth served 13 years as brigidier general and Assistant Adjutant General (Army), from October 9, 1957 until his death on January 12, 1971. He was a member of the American Radio Relay League, the Kaw Valley Radio Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Military Order of World Wars. Smyth was born in Holton in 1911.