Thomas "TC" Smith

Thomas "TC" Smith enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 9, 1967, and served for more than 25 years, including tours in Vietnam, Germany, Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, Washington, D.C., and the Philippines.

Three years after being commissioned, on May 9, 1971, Smith was flying as a co-pilot of a OH-58A on a “last light” visual reconnaissance scouting mission in the vicinity of the U-Mihn Forest (aka “the Delta). During the flight, the Command-and-Control aircraft directed Smith’s helicopter to make a low level, high speed pass at a suspected enemy position to identify the location of any Viet Cong positions. Upon completing its first run, the Smith was directed to conduct a Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) of the targeted area. While conducting the BDA, Smith’s helicopter received intense, concentrated fire from automatic weapon - sustaining 43 direct hits, including one round that struck Smith in the leg.

Along with his Purple Heart, COL Smith was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters and more.

After his service career, Smith worked as a program manager and small business owner. He also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader, and was involved in a number of community programs, including being the Chairman of the Herndon-Dulles Chamber of Commerce, a mentor with Wounded Warriors Fort Eustis, a mentor with the ROTC program at The College of William and Mary and Christopher Newport University. Smith is the current commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Chapter 1754 – Williamsburg, VA; as well as commander of the MOPH Department of Virginia, and Chief of Staff for the MOPH Region One.