SMITH, Lowell H. and RICHTER, John P. Published on October 25, 2012 in 25 October 1923Full resolution (2472 × 1873) Next → Lieutenants Lowell H. Smith and John P. Richter, U.S. Army Air Service. (U.S. Air Force) Capt. Lowell Smith and Lt. John P. Richter, made first mid-air refueling, June 1923, at Rockwell Field.