By Tom Smith
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we reflect on the grand arc of American history. For my family, that history is personal—a century-long thread of service that began long before I was born. In a community that values peace and prosperity, this milestone invites us to consider the “connective tissue” of military service that has preserved the comforts we enjoy today.
I. The Pioneers of Aviation and Rescue
The Smith family’s legacy of service began in 1927 when my uncle, Gus Kleisch, joined the Coast Guard. A first-generation German immigrant, he served as a pilot flying biplanes during the pre-war years before becoming part of an elite group personally trained by Igor Sikorsky to fly and maintain the world’s earliest helicopters. As only the fifth Coast Guard aviator qualified to fly these new machines, Gus played a vital role in proving that helicopters were more than just a curiosity; they were a revolutionary tool for saving lives.
Gus Kleisch (in bomber jacket) during rescue of Canadian Airmen. 1945
His pioneering work continued in September 1946 when he assisted in the rescue of eight survivors from a Belgian Sabena Airlines crash in Newfoundland, marking the first time a helicopter was used to recover commercial passengers from a crash site. For these historic actions, he was awarded the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross and the Canadian Air Force Cross, and was named a Knight of the Belgian Order of Leopold. Gus retired in 1959, leaving behind a renowned legacy in aviation testing and Anti-Submarine Warfare tactics.
II. World War II: The Smith Brothers
In addition to Gus, two of my father’s brothers served during World War II. My uncle Carl Smith was stationed in the Philippines, where he served in an administrative capacity to support the Pacific theater.
Carl Smith. Manila 1945
Julius “Bill” Smith. German ruins 1945
Meanwhile, his brother Julius “Bill” Smith, began his service in England with an anti-aircraft battalion. Once Bill’s unit was deployed to France, it was re-designated as a “Tank Destroyer” battalion. Though the mission changed, the equipment remained largely the same; they were simply using their high-velocity guns to engage armored targets at a much closer range on the front lines. After the war, both Carl and Bill returned to civilian life with the quiet dignity typical of their generation, neither one claiming to have done anything more than their duty.
III. A Father’s Resolve and the Korean Conflict
Richard “Dick” Smith. Late 1940‘s
My father, Richard “Dick” Smith, was only sixteen in 1944, but with his favorite Uncle Gus and two older brothers already in the fight, he was determined to join the effort. He managed to “doctor” his birth certificate to join the Merchant Marine and made it through six weeks of training at the Great Lakes Naval Station before his mother intervened. After she met him at the front gate, he endured a long and humiliating train ride back home to Cincinnati
His persistence eventually led him to the Army in 1946, where he served as a military policeman. By early 1951, he had been selected for Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned just in time to be sent directly to Korea with his entire class. Arriving at Inchon well after the initial landings, he was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division near the Yalu River.
As a Quartermaster officer—the branch responsible for the complex logistics of food, fuel, and supplies—he was positioned in the Division’s rear elements as they were mauled by the Chinese and North Korean armies. He moved south with the Division as they were pushed past Seoul and all the way to the Pusan pocket, later serving in the support elements during the 8th Army’s breakout and subsequent drive back north. He remained in Korea and Okinawa until 1953, serving “for the duration”. Though he ultimately spent 22 years in the Army, he always maintained that his best rank was the MP Sergeant.
IV. The Sacrifice of the USS Hobson
USS Hobson Memorial. Charleston, SC
My cousin, Nelson Wessell, continued the family’s tradition of service in the Navy during the Korean War. Tragically, his journey was cut short on April 26, 1952, when his ship, the destroyer-minesweeper USS Hobson, was sunk following a collision with the USS Wasp in the North Atlantic. The Hobson was cut in two and sank in just four minutes, resulting in the loss of 176 crew members. Only 61 survived the disaster. Today, a memorial to the crew stands in a public square in Charleston—the city where the ship was built and home-ported—serving as a somber reminder of the high stakes and deep sacrifices inherent in a life of service, even when not involved in a conflict.
V. Inflicting Maturity: A Personal Turning Point
Following in these footsteps, I joined the Marine Corps during my senior year of high school. I happily left the textbooks behind, but I quickly met my match in Squadron First Sergeant Smith (no relation). Noticing I was a dropout, he scowled and ordered me to study for my GED. I stubbornly declined. In response, he “inflicted maturity” by putting me on three months of grueling extra duty. After ninety days of penalty tours, I finally saw the light: the classroom was a much better deal than the business end of a work detail.
Tom Smith. Belize, 1993
When I reported back with my GED, he didn’t let up—he suggested night college courses or another round of extra duty. By that time, I made the right choice and opted for the classroom. That “grisly” NCO pointed me in a better direction and changed the trajectory of my life. I went on to serve 25 years in the Army, meeting my wife Karen—a 20-year veteran herself—along the way.
VI. The Command Structure at Home
Karen and I both retired from the Army at the same rank. However, as any veteran spouse knows, the “Chain of Command” looks a little different at the dinner table. Despite our equal pay grades, Karen is frequently the one still calling the shots. Our children, Shawn and Diana, followed us into the Army National Guard, ensuring the family legacy continues into a new era.
Lieutenant Colonel Karen Smith, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Smith (right), and daughter Anja
VII. Closing Thoughts
Between my father and me, we always believed “Sergeant” was the best rank. While officers carry the weight of responsibility, Sergeants are the backbone of the military—they have the authority to shape young lives. As we look toward our nation’s 250th year, our family looks back on 100 of those years spent in uniform. We didn’t serve as a separate class, but as neighbors who answered a call, sometimes grew up under pressure, and returned home to help build the communities we all cherish today.
