JAC Parade Honors Retirement of Senior Civilian

  • Published
  • By Peter G. Park, Commander's Action Group
  • JIOCEUR Analytic Center
ROYAL AIR FORCE MOLESWORTH, England --  "Today we retire Mr. Douglas Lincoln Smith, who in terms of sheer length of service, achievement, and personal valor has done more for the United States of America than any of us gathered here today - and noting the very fine men and women, young and old, around me, this is saying much indeed."

So began JAC Commander, Marine Corps Colonel Pete Devlin's remarks on July 2nd on the retirement after nearly 40 years service, of the JAC Chief of Staff and Director of Support.

Virtually a legend in the U.S. European Command intelligence community, Mr. Smith began his service to his country in the steamy jungles of Southeast Asia.  For his combat service in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, Mr. Smith earned the Bronze Star with Combat 'V', three Purple Heart Medals, and the Navy Commendation Medal, among other decorations. During his second tour in Vietnam as a Marine sniper, he was badly wounded when the tree he was firing from was felled by an enemy artillery shell, and spent several weeks recovering at a Navy Hospital on Okinawa.

After leaving the service he completed college and then returned to the service with the U.S. Army after which he began his civilian career in Europe with several organizations before moving to the JAC in the UK in 1993. His civilian service continued as he rose in positions of responsibility including Deputy Director of Operations and culminating in the position of JAC Chief of Staff and Director of Support.

Summing up Mr. Smith's career, Col. Devlin said: "He has seen this command, and me, through some very difficult times - some of the most tumultuous in JAC history. More than any other person, he taught how to lead and manage civilian personnel. He showed me the way in leading a large and complex staff - the part of the JAC that truly makes this a command rather than just a large staff section. When he spoke, I listened. I counted on him for much, and he never let me down. And for that, I will always be very grateful."

On behalf of the Director of National Intelligence, the Honorable Dennis C. Blair, Col. Devlin presented Mr. Smith with the National Intelligence Superior Service Medal for his distinguished service and lasting contributions to the National Intelligence Community of the United States of America. 

Following a planned ten-week solo hike of the mountains of Scotland - a beautiful place that he visited many times during his 16 years at the JAC to refresh and recharge his batteries - Mr. Smith will move to Arizona.