SMITH MARTIN E

CPT Martin "Marty" E. Smith was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/17/2024 at the age of 77.8
Corrales, NM
Flight Classes 68-512 and 68-18
Date of Birth 03/03/1947
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 129 AHC in 68-69, 238 AVN in 69
This information was provided by Don Williams

More detail on this person: Martin E. Smith passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Born in Omaha, NE to Martin Edward Smith (deceased) and Bernadine Lucille Halsey (deceased). Martin moved to Albuquerque, NM in 1960 with is family. After graduating from Valley High School, Martin enlisted in the Army. Martin served in Vietnam from October 1968 to September 1969 in the 238th AERWPNS Co. Gunrunners and was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, R.V.N, from 1961-1975. Martin achieved the rank of Captain and finished out his army career at Fort Rucker as a flight instructor. Martin is survived by his wife, Janice J. Smith, daughters Connie C. (Billy) Liggett, Wendy D. (Jeremy) Howard, grandchildren Skyler (Stephanie) Smith, Lynne (Jackson) Day, Darwyn Liggett, Conner Liggett, Dustin Howard, and Samantha Howard. Three great-grandchildren Charlie Smith, Annabelle and Oliver Day, brother Gene Redvelski, sisters Rosemarie Faulkner, Linda Sawyer, and Tammy Ayer, along with multiple nieces and nephews. Martin was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald D. Smith. Martin was known to his family as "Papa," and he was often someone the family looked up to. As he got older, Papa was always looking to joke around with his family and coworkers, capturing precious moments behind a camera, or create memories for his grandchildren, whom he cherished, along with his very spoiled German Shepard, Eva. Papa was very much loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

This information was last updated 01/14/2025

Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters

Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list

Return to VHPA web site

Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025


Copyright © 1998 - 2025 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association