George W. Smith (USMC)

George William Smith (July 8, 1925 – September 30, 2014) was a decorated officer in the

Both of his sons followed his footsteps and joined the Marine Corps. His elder son, George W. Smith Jr., as of 2019 serves as lieutenant general and commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force, while Andrew H. Smith as of 2019 serves as colonel and chief of staff, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

Early career

George W. Smith was born on July 8, 1925, in

Following his return to the United States, Smith reached the rank of corporal and remained on active duty until his discharge in February 1946. He then went to the Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he graduated in summer 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. Smith was commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve in March 1949 and attached as a platoon leader to the 6th Reserve Infantry Battalion in Harrisburg.^[1][2]

During his time with that unit, Smith completed the Associate Armored Company Officers Course at

Smith was later appointed aide and assistant secretary to the Joint Landing Force Board. While in this capacity, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in April 1951. Smith served again with the 2nd Tank Battalion from December 1952 and, following his promotion to captain in July 1953, he was appointed company commander.^[1][2]

Smith was integrated into the regular Marine Corps in December 1953 and deployed to the Far East in April 1954. He was attached to the

Smith was deployed to

Smith led his battalion through rugged mountains into triple-canopied jungle and manoeuvred along two parallel precipitous ridge lines against increased hostile resistance when the lead company was pinned down by intense enemy fire. Realizing the urgency of maintaining the momentum of the attack, Smith, undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting near him, unhesitatingly moved across the fire-swept terrain to a dangerously exposed forward position where he could better observe and control supporting arms fire and aggressive assaults to route the North Vietnamese force. Immediately establishing a landing zone for the extraction of the wounded, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire while moving about to coordinate and personally direct the medical evacuation of the casualties.[3]

During the ensuing days, elements of his battalion successfully engaged and repulsed the enemy in a succession of both aggressive attacks and defensive actions, which carried the battalion to its objective, Hill 1044. Nearing the objective on February 26, Smith manoeuvred one of his infantry companies in a passage of lines and into a final assault that routed the North Vietnamese and resulted in the seizure of the objective and the capture of one of the largest caches of enemy weapons, ammunitions and equipment uncovered thus far in the Vietnam War. Consolidating his position, he then employed his battalion as a covering force for another friendly unit until March 18, when he commenced the extraction of his companies. Despite the hostile fire directed against the command group and the landing zone, not a single aircraft was lost while the marines sustained a minimum of casualties. For his leadership and bravery during the operation, Smith was awarded the Silver Star.^[3][5]

Smith remained in the command of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines until the end of March and subsequently was appointed operations officer of Task Force Delta under Brigadier General

Upon his return to the United States, Smith was ordered to the Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., and served as assistant head, and later as head, of Operations Branch, Operations Division. He was promoted to colonel in January 1970 and ordered to the course at the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, in July. Smith graduated in June 1971 and assumed command of The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.^[1][2]

Smith was responsible for the basic training of newly commissioned officers until May 1973, when he was sent to Philadelphia for duty as director, 4th Marine Corps Reserve and Recruitment District. While in this capacity, Smith had direction over a number of reserve units and recruitment stations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Delaware. His duty included also inspection of reserve and recruitment units, and to make calls on governors and other public officials.^[1]

Smith was promoted to the rank of brigadier general on June 11, 1974, and ordered back to Headquarters Marine Corps, where he assumed duty as director, Information Systems Support and Management Division. He was ordered to Hawaii in June 1975 and appointed commanding general, 1st Marine Brigade (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

Smith was promoted to the rank of major general in July 1976 and ordered to

Following his retirement, Smith and his wife settled in Newport Beach, California, where he enjoyed rounds of golf with his family. He and his wife of 60 years, Nancy Louise Reese had two daughters, Deborah Smith of Pensacola, Florida, and Dr. Anne Stover of Boardman, and two sons, George W. Smith Jr. (who currently serves as marine lieutenant general) and Andrew H. Smith (a marine colonel).

Major General George W. Smith died at his home in Newport Beach, California, on September 30, 2014, and was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.^[6][2]

Decorations

Below is the ribbon bar of major General George W. Smith:^[3]

See also

• List of 3rd Marine Division Commanders

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.