Kenneth Robert Smith

LIEUTENANT COLONEL KENNETH ROBERT SMITH
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Kenneth Robert Smith, affectionately known by his classmates and friends as "Smitty," came to the newly established United States Air Force Academy from North Hollywood, California, following a congressional appointment. As a member of the pioneer Class of 1959, Smitty was assigned to Cadet Squadron 2.

During his time at the Academy, Smitty distinguished himself as a gifted athlete, excelling on the gymnastics team where his discipline, spatial awareness, and strength were on full display. Beyond his athletic achievements, Smitty was remembered for his irrepressible spirit and camaraderie. During his Fourth Class (freshman) year, his after-taps antics and lighthearted resilience became legendary among his squadron mates, helping build the close-knit bonds that defined the historic first graduating class.

Smitty graduated on June 3, 1959, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree and commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

MILITARY CAREER & SERVICE

Following graduation, Lt. Col. Smith entered Primary and Basic Pilot Training at Moore Air Base and Webb Air Force Base, Texas. Upon earning his silver wings in 1960, he embarked on an action-packed 30-year career in tactical aviation and operational planning.

• Tactical Fighter Flying: Smitty's early operational flying assignments took him to the 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan (1961–1963), and later to England Air Force Base, Louisiana (1963–1965).
• Southeast Asia Combat Operations: Smitty served two distinct combat tours during the Vietnam War. His first combat tour was with the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing out of Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam (1965–1966). Later, from 1969 to 1971, he served as a pilot and Forward Air Controller (FAC) with the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing and 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. For his heroism, aerial skill, and extraordinary achievement in combat, he was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star Medal, and 23 Air Medals.
• Academy Return & Staff Leadership: Between combat tours, Smitty returned to his alma mater from 1966 to 1969 as a Military Training Instructor, mentoring and shaping the next generation of Air Force officers.
• Staff & Joint Assignments: In 1971, he transitioned into operational leadership as Chief of the Operations Plans Division for the 40th Tactical Group at Aviano Air Base, Italy. He subsequently served as Operations Staff Officer with the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona (1974–1977).
• Senior Service & Strategic Planning: After attending the prestigious U.S. Army War College in 1977, Lt. Col. Smith was assigned as a Plans Officer with C-3 HQ Combined Forces Command at Yongsan Air Base in Seoul, South Korea (1978–1981). He capped his 30-year military career serving in the War and Contingency Plans Division at Headquarters 12th Air Force, Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas.

CIVILIAN LIFE & COMMUNITY SERVICE

Following his military retirement, Lt. Colonel Smith settled in Austin, Texas, where he redirected his passion for service toward human health and counseling. He earned advanced credentials and worked as a hospital counselor at Charter Lane Hospital (Charter Medical Corp) in 1985 and as a Program Counselor with Parkside Medical Services from 1986 to 1987, later serving as an independent healthcare consultant.

Lt. Col. Kenneth Robert Smith passed away on May 3, 1991, in Austin, Texas. He is remembered by his USAFA Class of 1959 classmates as a dedicated airman, a courageous combat pilot, and a loyal friend whose humor and strength touched everyone around him.

EDUCATION & MILITARY TRAINING

Year Institution / Program Location
1955–1959 B.S., United States Air Force Academy (Cadet Squadron 2) Colorado Springs, CO
1959–1960 Primary & Basic Pilot Training Moore AB / Webb AFB, TX
1977 Senior Service School, U.S. Army War College Carlisle Barracks, PA

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS


1959–1960 Student Pilot Moore AB / Webb AFB, TX
1961–1963 Tactical Fighter Pilot 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Misawa AB, Japan
1963–1965 Tactical Fighter Pilot 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron, England AFB, LA
1965–1966 Combat Pilot 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Da Nang AB, South Vietnam
1966–1969 Instructor, Military Training U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
1969–1971 Pilot / Forward Air Controller (FAC) 388th TFW / 469th TFS, Korat RTAFB, Thailand
1971–1974 Chief, Operations Plans Division 40th Tactical Group, Aviano AB, Italy
1974–1977 Operations Staff Officer 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
1977–1978 Student Officer U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA
1978–1981 Plans Officer C-3 HQ Combined Forces Command, Yongsan AB, South Korea
1981–1985 War / Contingency Plans Division HQ 12th Air Force, Bergstrom AFB, TX

MILITARY MEDALS & DECORATIONS


Distinguished Flying Cross 4
Bronze Star Medal 1
Defense Meritorious Service Medal 1
Meritorious Service Medal 1
Air Medal 23
Air Force Commendation Medal 2