MAJOR RICHARD LEE SMITH (1931-1982)

Major Richard Lee Smith was born in 1931to Edith Elizabeth Miller Smith and Richard Stephen Smith in St. Louis, MO. In 1961, Richard joined the New Mexico Army National Guard and was trained to fly all fixed-wing prop and rotary wing aircraft.

In 1964, he served one tour in Indochina-Korea. Later in 1967 and 1971, Richard served two tours in Vietnam. He was entrusted with flying high-ranking officers as well as members of Bob Hope's USO tour when the Unit came to Vietnam to entertain the military troupes.

His awards include the Valor Unit Award, the second highest U.S. Army Unit Decorations, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal awarded by U.S., Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with 5 Palms awarded by Vietnam Government, and the Master Army Aviator Badge, awarded by U. S. Army after the Air Force Separated. After returning from his two tours in Vietnam in 1970, Richard was assigned to the 105th Air Lift Wing and flew high-ranking officers at the U.S. Military Academy (West Point).

Major Smith retired in 1975 while serving at Ft. Bliss, Texas, and became a Commercial Airplane pilot. He passed away from his loving family while living in Los Angeles, CA in July 1982 after suffering from the effects of Agent Orange.