Allan J. Sewart, MTSU's most decorated fallen veteran, was a quiet, friendly student. He was a veteran of Midway and the Solomons. In his brief career, Sewart was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and two Purple Hearts. His commander described him as the best officer he had ever known. He was killed during a bombing raid on November 18, 1942. The Smyrna Air Base was named to honor him in 1950.