William Ronald "Ron" Smith, son of Harlan and Sue Smith, was born June 16, 1944, and grew up in Lubbock, Texas. He began his studies at Texas Tech in 1962 and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education in 1968. He was a sergeant in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 and served with the 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division, stationed in the Cu Chi area. His unit engaged in pacification activities and patrol missions in the province aimed at protectingSaigon from Viet Cong infiltration from Cambodia. He earned an Army Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Bronze Star with V device, and a Silver Star for his service. He has three children: Shannon Smith, Heather Smith-Damghani, and Jennifer Smith-Grimes. Ron Smith passed away on November 4, 1999.
