Ray L. Smith

Major General Ray L. Smith is a highly decorated retired United States Marine Corps officer whose distinguished career spanned nearly 34 years. He is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, where his heroic actions earned him the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, the Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. Smith retired from active duty in 1999 but remained active in military affairs, demonstrating his continued commitment to the Marine Corps.

In 2003, after nearly four years of retirement, Smith traveled to Iraq with the 1st Marine Division during the initial invasion. He co-authored an eyewitness account of the historic military advance from Kuwait to Baghdad, titled "The March Up: Taking Baghdad with the 1st Marine Division."

Over his extensive career, General Smith commanded at multiple levels and received numerous personal, unit, and campaign decorations. His legacy is defined by his valor in Vietnam, his senior leadership within the Marine Corps, and his subsequent historical contributions documenting modern Marine combat operations.