Raymond C. Smith

Raymond Charles Smith Jr. and raised in Vallejo, California, Smith enlisted in the US Navy in 1962. He was later selected to attend Naval Academy Preparatory School and subsequently received an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy. Smith graduated from the Naval Academy in 1967 and subsequently served on until 1969.

Smith then reported to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/S) at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. After six months of training, Smith graduated with BUD/S class 54 in February 1970. Smith's first assignment was to Underwater Demolition Team TWELVE (UDT-12) and he served a combat deployment to South Vietnam. He later went on to receive a Master of Science degree in Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1974.

Smith served staff assignments as operations officer and executive officer of UDT 12, followed by an assignment SEAL weapons and diving systems Acquisition Manager in Washington D.C. Smith was assigned as director of SEAL training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado from 1981 to 1983, then served as executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense Richard Armitage.

Smith then served as commanding officer of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE from 1985 to 1987. As a Navy Captain, Smith assumed command of Naval Special Warfare Group ONE (NSWG 1) in August 1989. During Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm he led all SEAL, Special Boat personnel during completion of hundreds of special operations missions. Smith relinquished command of NSWG 1 in 1991. Between 1992 and 1996 Smith served as the commanding officer of the Naval Special Warfare Command. His final assignment was deputy commanding officer of United States Special Operations Command.

Awards and decorations U.S. military decorationsDefense Distinguished Service MedalDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit with four 5/16 inch starsBronze Star with Combat "V"Purple HeartMeritorious Service Medal Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and three 5/16 inch starsJoint Meritorious Unit AwardCombat Action RibbonNavy Unit CommendationU.S. Service (Campaign) Medals and Service and Training RibbonsNational Defense Service Medal with two service starsArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Service Medal (with four bronze campaign stars)Southwest Asia Service Medal (with two bronze campaign stars)Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 106px Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)Navy Pistol Marksmanship BadgeU.S. badges, patches and tabs 200px SEAL Trident 200px Navy Parachutist Insignia