SMITH WILLIAM E #2

CW2 William "Bill" E. Smith was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 02/09/2016 at the age of 72.0
Kansas City, KS
Flight Class 67-7
Date of Birth 01/26/1944
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 191 AHC in 67-68
Call sign in Vietnam BOOMERANG 18
This information was provided by Don Williams

More detail on this person: William E. Smith age 72 passed away Tuesday February 9, 2016 at his home. Burial was at Maple Hill Cemetery Kansas City, KS.

William was born January 26, 1944 in Kansas City, Kansas to Robert and Lois Smith. He was united in marriage to his wife Freda (Pack) Smith and together they shared 50 years together.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army. As an enlisted man he became a paratrooper and qualified for the Senior Parachute Badge and later he became a parachute rigger. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal (1st Award).

He graduated from Warrant Officer Rotary Wing Aviators Course (WORWAC) 67-7. Chief Warrant Officer 2, (CW2) Smitty flew UH-1D Huey helicopters in the 1st Platoon of the 191st Assault Helicopter Company stationed at Bearcat, Republic of Vietnam. His callsign was Boomerang 18. He was known throughout the unit for his outstanding mustache. For his service he was the recipient of the Air Medal with 50 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with V device, National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal,and two overseas bars.

He was a retired member of International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local #83, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 869, American Legion Post 346, The Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. He was also a Master Mason in Ben Hur Lodge #322. Bill was also an Assistant Scout Master and an honorary warrior with the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

William was preceded in death by his son: William R. Smith, brothers: Robert and Frederick Smith. He leaves behind his wife: Freda J. Smith, daughter: Cynthia Smith, sisters: Sandra Waller and Janet Reno.

Chaplain Dennis Thompson - who is also a former Vietnam Aviator - conducted the service.

This information was last updated 08/01/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024