TFH 4/1: Captain Ray Louis Smith, USMC

On March 30, 1972, North Vietnam began what is now known as the Easter Offensive - a full-scale invasion of South Vietnam across the De-Militarized Zone separating North from South. Standing in the way of the determined Communist assault were initially South Vietnamese forces, accompanied by their American advisors.

Ray Louis Smith was born in Oklahoma. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965. After graduating from Officer Candidates' School in 1967, he received a commission as a Second Lieutenant. He was soon posted as platoon leader with a Marine unit serving in Vietnam. His first Vietnam tour saw him decorated with two Silver Stars and the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for his heroism.

His second tour in Vietnam began in November, 1971 as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Marines. In the opening hours of the Easter Offensive, then Captain Smith was with a 250-man South Vietnamese command group that found itself under attack by multiple enemy battalions. When the unit was (literally) decimated, he stood strong to lead our allied forces to safety. For his heroism, he was awarded the second-highest award he could receive, the Navy Cross.

From Military Times Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Ray Louis Smith (MCSN: 0-102290), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism during the period 30 March to 1 April 1972 while serving as advisor to a Vietnamese Command group numbering approximately 250 Vietnamese Marines located on a small hilltop outpost in the Republic of Vietnam. With the Command Group repulsing several savage enemy assaults, and subjected to a continuing hail of fire from an attacking force estimated to be of two-battalion strength, Captain Smith repeatedly exposed himself to the heavy fire while directing friendly air support. When adverse weather conditions precluded further close air support, he attempted to lead the group, now reduced to only 28 Vietnamese Marines, to the safety of friendly lines. An enemy soldier opened fire upon the Marines at the precise moment that they had balked when encountering an outer defensive ring of barbed wire. Captain Smith returned accurate fire, disposing of the attacker, and then threw himself backwards on top of the booby-trap-infested wire barrier. Swiftly, the remaining Marines moved over the crushed wire, stepping on Captain Smith's prostrate body, until all had passed safely through the barrier. Although suffering severe cuts and bruises, Captain Smith succeeded in leading the Marines to the safety of friendly lines. His great personal valor and unrelenting devotion to duty reflected the highest credit upon himself, the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

To complete Ray Smith's Vietnam combat record of gallantry, here are his two Silver Star and Bronze Star citations from his first tour:

First Silver Star, February 4, 1968:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Ray Louis Smith (MCSN: 0-102290), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 4 February 1968, while participating in Operation HUE CITY, Second Lieutenant Smith's unit was assigned the mission of attacking and seizing a school complex occupied by an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. As his company advanced toward its objective, the Marines came under intense automatic weapons, small arms and B-40 rocket fire, pinning down the lead platoon. Reacting instantly, he aggressively maneuvered his remaining platoons forward and directed a heavy volume of fire against the entrenched enemy, suppressing the hostile fire sufficiently to allow his lead platoon to maneuver out of the hazardous area. Concerned with maintaining the momentum of the attack, he repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire to better direct the efforts and movements of his forces. Knocked to the ground on numerous occasions by the concussion from nearby explosions, he quickly regained his footing and continued to lead his most heavily engaged units. When it appeared that the assault was faltering, he skillfully employed a recoilless rifle team in addition to a demolition unit against the well entrenched enemy, enabling his unit to move from one building to another in its relentless attack. His bold leadership and aggressive actions were an inspiration to all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, steadfast determination and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Second Lieutenant Smith upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Second Silver Star, July 7, 1968:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Ray Louis Smith (MCSN: 0-102290), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 7 July 1968, Company A was assigned to assist in repulsing two North Vietnamese Army companies that had penetrated the battalion defensive perimeter on Hill 689 near the Khe Sanh Combat Base. Observing the intense enemy mortar and anti-tank rocket fire and realizing the seriousness of the situation, First Lieutenant Smith unhesitatingly led his men across 100 meters of fire-swept terrain to the beleaguered unit's positions. Ignoring the hostile rounds impacting near him, he skillfully deployed his platoons on line behind the containing forces and commenced his attack against the enemy. Although painfully wounded, First Lieutenant Smith fearlessly moved about the hazardous area shouting words of encouragement to his men and skillfully directing their fire against the North Vietnamese soldiers. With complete disregard for his own safety, he calmly coordinated the evacuation of casualties while resolutely leading his Marines in driving the enemy from the perimeter and subsequently re-establishing the battalion's defensive integrity. His bold initiative and heroic actions inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of the dangerous mission. By his courage, aggressive leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Smith upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Bronze Star with Combat "V", October 7-25, 1968:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to First Lieutenant Ray Louis Smith (MCSN: 0-102290), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for meritorious service in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving in various capacities with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, from 7 October 1967 to 25 October 1968. Throughout this period, Lieutenant Smith performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as a Platoon Commander, he demonstrated exceptional initiative and a thorough knowledge of infantry tactics while fearlessly leading his men during numerous combat operations, including Operations LANCASTER, PEGASUS and SCOTLAND II. When his company commander was wounded while participating in Operation HUE CITY, Lieutenant Smith unhesitatingly assumed control of the company, ably supervising and directing his men until relieved by a senior officer. Reassigned as Executive Officer, he materially assisted his commanding officer in planning operations and supervising the timely, accurate preparation of administrative reports. Subsequently reassigned as Commanding Officer on 6 July, a billet normally held by an officer of higher rank, he continued to distinguish himself by his outstanding accomplishment of all assigned missions. Lieutenant Smith's superior professionalism, aggressive leadership and unwavering devotion to duty contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his command's mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Ray Smith's service to our nation didn't end with the Vietnam War. Between 1972 and 1999, he served as the commander of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines in 1983 during both Operation Urgent Fury (the invasion of Grenada) and operations in Beirut, Lebanon. For each of those two actions, he was awarded the Legion of Merit. His later commands included the 8th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. In addition to the awards already listed here, he also was decorated with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, three Purple Hearts, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and the United Kingdom's Distinguished Service Order. He retired in 1999 after 34 years of service as a Major General. Citations for some of those awards can be found at the Military Times' Hall of Valor link.

Major General Smith is still living. In 2003, he co-authored the book The March Up: Taking Baghdad With the US Marines with Bing West. The book is an eyewitness account of the Marines' role in Operation Iraqi Freedom in March-April 2003. I've added it to my reading list!