G.W. “Bill” Smith

SECOND VICE COMMANDER

Bill joined the US Marine Corps in 1958 while he was 2 months from high school graduation. (He joined under the “buddy system”). This allowed him to finish high school, then leave for Boot Camp at Parris Island, South Carolina.  For the next 12 months Bill’s Basic Training was grueling. After Boot Camp, Bill was assigned for 4 months to Camp Geiger, North Carolina where he took his Advanced Individual Training (AIT). After AIT, Bill was given a battery of tests to see what his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) would be. Bill enlisted to be a helicopter mechanic, but was told that they needed Communication Techs, so he was sent to “Commo” school for 3 months. Upon graduation Bill was assigned as a Commo Tech in the Headquarters Company, 2d Tank Battalion, 2d Marine Division at Camp Lejune, North Carolina. Bill achieved advancement and was assigned as Commo Chief until his honorable discharge June 1961. During Bill’s 3 years of service, Bill’s assignment locations included Parris Island, Camp Geiger, Camp Lejune, Puerto Rico, and Guantanamo Cuba.