CSM David Ernest Smith was born in Pawtucket, RI on September 29, 1947 to Mr. Clifford & Norma (Hall) Smith of Lincoln, RI. He was the oldest of 4 children with younger sisters Mrs. Nancy (Smith) Lancaster, Paula Smith, and younger brother Phillip Smith. David spent most of his life in Lincoln, RI with a small time spent in Ohio and Buffalo, NY during his elementary school years.

David graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Central Falls, RI where he was a star varsity basketball player all for years of high school. He led the “Beavers,” as the team’s center, to be the 1964-1965 Class B Champions and RI State Runners-up after a heartbreaking loss in five overtimes during the semi-final game.

David entered military service in November of 1967. He attended basic training at Fort Polk, LA and medical service corps advanced individual training (AIT) at Fort Sam Houston, TX. He earned an Associate of Science Degree from Bryant College and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Degree from Rhode Island School of Practical Nursing. He is a 1981 graduate of the Region 1 NCO Academy and 1985 graduate of the First Sergeant Academy at Fort Indiantown Gap, PA.

David served with distinction in all levels of Enlisted and Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) leadership positions from Squad Leader to Brigade Command Sergeant Major (CSM / E-9). His qualifications and duty positions includes: Basic Medic Qualification, Medic to 91W Licensed Practical Nurse transition course, Chief Wardmaster of General Hospital and Field Hospital, First Sergeant Course, Command Sergeant Major of USAR forces at Walter Reed Army Hospital during Desert Storm, 455th General & Field Hospitals, 351st General Hospital, 2290th U.S. Army Hospital, 865th Combat Support Hospital, 804th Medical Brigade and 1st U.S. Army AMEDD Recruiting Battalion.

David’s military awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 1 Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 30 Years Gold Hourglass Device and 2 Bronze ‘M’ Devices, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon Level 4, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon 3rd Award, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Expert Marksmanship Badge M-16 Rifle and M-9 Pistol.

David retired after 42 years of continuous faithful service to the United States Army. His retirement from service was short lived as he took great pride in championing and campaigning for various Veterans’ organizations. He was a Life Member of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and the current Vice-President of VVA Chapter #818, Rhode Island VVA State Council President, Past Department Commander of the Rhode Island Department of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Post 3, Rhode Island United Veterans Council, Rhode Island Veterans Legislative Advisory Board, Life Member of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11519, and a Life Member of the American Legion Post 14.

David is married to the former Catherine Lawrence of Pawtucket, RI. He is survived by his wife Catherine, son Matthew Smith, daughter Lauren (Smith) Tomaz, 5 grandchildren, and 2 sisters.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Sept. 26th in St. Ambrose Church, 191 School St, Albion at 10am. Burial in RI Veterans Cemetery with military honors. Visitation Wednesday, from 4-7pm in the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave, Lincoln. Memorial gifts may be made to the VVA Chapter 818, PO Box 818, Woonsocket, RI 02895