Mary Jane Smith

The photo of himself and Mary Jane Smith carried in his wallet throughout the war.

February 25, 1945 marked Captain Simmons last combat mission of the Second World War. Three days later he began the lengthy process of returning back to the United States and taking a much needed vacation. He was given leave through May 19, 1945.

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” smiled Reverend Moore. It was April 21, 1945 and Mary Jane Smith had just become Mrs. Austin Wilbourne Simmons inside the Ford Memorial United Methodist Church in Ford City, PA.

The alter of the Ford Memorial United Methodist Church.

Even Hollywood would be hard pressed to come up with a story such as theirs. An aspiring fashion model marries pilot and war hero.

Austin was born in Catalina, New Foundland on June 14, 1921.  At the age of two he immigrated to the United States with his parents Robert and Esther along with his younger brother Kevin.  Their journey took them through Ellis Island on September 27, 1923 where their last name was altered slightly from Simmonds to Simmons.  Austin, the eldest son, would eventually be big brother to thirteen brothers and sisters after the family settle down in a small town an hour and half north of Pittsburgh.

At 6'2" tall Austin was a natural at sports and went on to play basketball for Ford City High School.  But it wasn't just all brawn, the brains and intellect that would become apparent later in his career started to shine through as he played sousaphone in the band, collected poetry and participated in a class play.  Obviously, Austin chose service to his country in lieu of a college education a fact that went unnoticed well into his military career except on paper.  While in command of a base in Iceland during the Cold War, a visiting ranking commander issued a written commendation making note that the professionalism and intellect of Major Simmons gave him the impression that he was dealing with a highly educated individual. 
Regardless of his size, he still was subject to a bit of ribbing and due to his thick, curly red hair friends called him 'Red.'  He also earned the nickname 'Ozzie' which stuck with him well into his adult life. 

High School Senior Year Book page, 1939.

Young Austin finished up high school in 1939 and briefly went to work for PPG as a glass worker.  Then he, like so many of his generation, accepted the call to serve his country and enlisted in the Army.  And like a Hollywood love story of the time he met the love of his life, Mary Jane Smith before starting his military training and shipping off to England.  For two years they wrote back and forth with the occassional rendevous inbetween Austin's pilot training. 

In August of 1943 Mary made the trip down to Sumter, SC to visit him briefly.  She stayed briefly in Ye Old Guest House and took a moment to send a postcard back to her mother in Ford City,
'Mum, We got here Thursday night & haven't our suitcases yet.  Austin just phoned.  He sure is happy.  He is meeting us tonight at 8:00 Bus terminal.  This is the place we're staying.  Mary'

After the war they were finally married and a little over a year later they had their first born, Darl L Simmons in August 1946.  A few years later their first daughter was born, Karen K Simmons in 1949.  Followed later by Corey L in 1955 and Gregory K Simmons in 1961. 

Initially Mary was opposed to Austin's decision to remain in the Air Force, but is now thankful he did as the life and opportunities afforded to their young family were more than should could dream of. 

Wedding photo.

The war was in its last few months, but finally over for the new family. Rationing here in the States was still in effect as they drove off in their 1941 Pontiac.

April 21st also marked the issuance of one of the last commendations he would receive for his participation in the war effort. It was written,

To Captain Austin W. Simmons of the 381st Bombardment Group (H), while serving as Pilot—High Squadron for performing his duties in an outstanding manner to the success of the strategic bombing effort against an enemy of the United States in the European Theatre of Operations on the Mission to Munich, Germany, 25 February 1945.

(signature illegible)
Brigadier General, USA, Commanding


Countersigned:
Conway S. Hall, Lt. Colonel

Mary Jane Smith

 
 

School photo 1940, age 14.

Age 14.

Mary Jane with a parrot on her shoulder.

Mary Jane and Austin Simmons.

Mary Jane and Austin Simmons September 1990.