Col. Jack Smith; Decorated Pilot Became a Judge

Jack Burton Smith, 69, a retired Army colonel who became lead administrative judge for the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals, died of cancer Aug. 7 at his home in Alexandria.

Col. Smith, who was born in Houston, enlisted in the Army in 1957. He volunteered for two tours of duty: as an enlisted man in Turkey in 1958 and as an officer and helicopter pilot in Vietnam in 1966.

A highly decorated pilot, he flew 200 combat missions and was wounded in action in 1967. He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, 24 Air Medals and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor.

He graduated from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La., in 1960 and received a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1971. He then began a career in administrative law.

In 1976, Col. Smith came to Northern Virginia when he accepted the position as attorney adviser for the Army at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Several years later, he held the same title at the Office of the General Counsel at the Army headquarters for the Development and Readiness Command in Alexandria.

In 1981, he joined the Defense Legal Services Agency as the general counsel for Department of Defense Dependent School System, which oversaw all legal aspects of the country's Dependent School System overseas.

He was appointed lead administrative judge for the DOHA in 1987 and was awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Civilian Service Award for outstanding service for the period 1985 to 1993.

Col. Smith retired in 1996 but missed the camaraderie and excitement of his career. He was rehired as senior administrative judge for the DOHA Washington Hearing Office in Arlington County in 2001 and remained until his retirement in 2003.

A curious soul with a thirst for travel, he visited England, Italy, France, Malta, Russia and Thailand in his later years and enjoyed international cuisine. He also frequented live performances, especially musicals and plays, at performing arts venues in the Washington area.

He volunteered as an English tutor, helping immigrants with reading and other life skills.

In 2004, he published a novel, "Stuck There Studs," about his experiences in Vietnam, and he wrote the lyrics for a song called "Kick Butt Studs" to boost morale for the U.S. Armed Forces in Iraq.

His marriage to Leita Smith ended in divorce.

Survivors include his wife, Elena Stulina of Alexandria; three children from his first marriage, Ginger Smith of Denver, Bonnie Stephens of Centreville and Brannon Smith of Wilmington, N.C.; two brothers; and eight grandchildren.

-- Yvonne Shinhoster Lamb