Wayne State University Professor Emeritus E. Burrows Smith, a much-honored World War II officer, died Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Woodward Hills Nursing Home in Bloomfield Hills. Dr. Smith, 82, was a professor and chairman of Romance and Germanic Languages and Literatures for many years, and taught at Wayne State from 1950 to 1985.

Educated at Swarthmore College earning an A.B. in 1938, he also received master's degrees from Brown University and the University of Paris (Sorbonne), and his Ph.D. at Brown University in 1950.

Between degrees, he served in Military Intelligence from 1941-47, with service in Algeria, England, France and Germany. For his work, he was honored with the French and Belgian Croix de Guerre, the Order of Leopold with Palm and the Bronze Star.

In addition to teaching, he served in numerous administrative positions between 1958 and 1984, including associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts, associate provost for academic administration and acting vice president and provost. Mr. Smith was also active in the American Association of University Professors, serving as chapter secretary, vice president and president.

Active also in community affairs, he served as an officer of the Royal Oak Citizens District Council, Metropolitan Detroit World Affairs Council, the Royal Oak Board of Education, Huntington Woods Human Rights Association and others.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothea; children Michael and Margaret; grandchildren Mark, Edwin, Laine and Shelagh; and two grandchildren.

A memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library or the Archeological Conservancy in Albuquerque, N.M.

Note to editors: a photo of Professor Smith is available by e-mail. Call 577-2150.