#VeteranOfTheDay Air Force Veteran Douglass Warren Smith

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran Douglass Warren Smith. Douglass served from 1954 to 1978.

Douglass reported to Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. in 1952, where he remained until 1958. In 1958, he was sent to McCoy Air Force Base, Fla. He then reported to Santiago, Chile as part of a military group from 1963 until 1966. Douglass then relocated to the Pentagon for two years, followed by Thailand and Vietnam where he flew reconnaissance missions as a command pilot in the Super Constellation “Connie” C-121 from 1968 to 1970. After flying reconnaissance, Douglass reported to Albrook Air Force Base, Panama for two years until returning to the Pentagon in 1973 for two more years until 1975. From 1975 to 1977, Douglass served as part of an air attaché in Santiago, Chile. Douglass then retired from the Air Force in 1978.

Douglass was awarded the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Air Medal, and Chilean Star of Military Merit for his service in the Air Force.

After retirement, Douglass continued to travel the world and lived in Chile, California, Jordan, Hawaii, Washington D.C., and Florida. He sold aircraft for Boeing and Northrop-Grumman. Douglass also was a liaison between LAN Chile airlines and Embry-Riddle University to recruit students for pilot training.

Douglass currently lives in Flagler Beach, Fla. with his wife of 40 years.

Thank you for your service, Douglass!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Alexandra Craig: Alexandra Craig is an undergraduate senior at the University of San Francisco studying International Peace and Conflict Studies.