Clarence O. "Smokey" Tolbert was born on June 3, 1939, in Johnston County, Oklahoma, to Elvie E. and Cleo P. Tolbert. Assisted by Congressman Carl Albert, he gained an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated with the class of 1962. He became the first U.S. Naval Academy graduate to serve with the famed Blue Angels attached to Squadron 56. During his third tour of duty in North Vietnam, while aboard the USS Midway, his A-7 aircraft was damaged by anti-aircraft fire and crashed on November 6, 1972. He was listed as Missing in Action until March 28, 1978, when the U.S. Navy changed his status to presumed dead. He received many decorations, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Navy Commendation Medal, and fourteen Air Medals. He completed over 15 combat missions and was regarded as a favorite son of Johnston County. The U.S. Navy F-11A Tiger last flown by Blue Angels #6 solo pilot Clarence O. "Smokey" Tolbert in 1968 had served as the Blue Angels' primary aircraft from 1957 to 1968, and at his request it was donated to the people of Johnston County by the U.S. Navy upon its retirement in 1968.