Daniel Smith: Veteran of the Month | September 2025
Daniel Smith was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, the youngest of eight children in a family of four boys and four girls. Being the baby of the family, he admits with a laugh that he was a “mama’s boy.” Growing up, Smith enjoyed playing sports, including baseball, football, and basketball, and worked various odd jobs throughout high school. He graduated in 1963, the same year he decided to take a new direction in life by enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the age of 19.
Smith was drawn to the Navy for the opportunity to “see the world.” He completed 12 weeks of boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois, before attending radio school and becoming a radioman. He served two years on land in Norfolk, VA, before deploying to Vietnam from 1966 to 1967 aboard the USS Barney, a guided missile destroyer based out of Norfolk.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith with their oldest child, Danny.
During his time in Vietnam, Smith’s ship was tasked with pilot rescue missions, retrieving downed pilots from the water. Smith explained, “Anytime pilots got shot down, we would rescue them as long as they can get to the water instead of the land. We would encourage them to parachute out and try to get to the water instead of the land and being captured.” He mentioned that this situation could occur multiple times in a single day.
According to online sources, the USS Barney also conducted shore bombardments against targets in both North and South Vietnam and coordinated sea-air rescue operations. Though the destroyer came under enemy fire on several occasions, it was never hit. The Barney completed its seven-month combat deployment and returned to Norfolk in September 1967.
Smith’s Navy service fulfilled his dreams by allowing him to explore the world. His deployment took him across the South Pacific, with stops in places like Hawaii, Australia, and the Philippines, the latter of which became his favorite location.
Although Smith loved his travels, the most significant moments of his life took place back home. In 1966, he married his childhood sweetheart, Gloria, while he was deployed. Their first child was born during his service in Vietnam, and Smith met his son for the first time upon returning from deployment when the baby was already six months old.
The Smith family in 2019.
After leaving the Navy, Smith was honorably discharged as a Petty Officer Third Class (E-4). He then built a 28-year career with the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier, providing a steady and reliable life for his family. He and Gloria raised three children: one son and two daughters. Today, he is a proud grandfather to more than 20 grandchildren.
In 2014, Smith moved to Chesapeake, Virginia, to live with his daughters, while his son remained in Ohio. In retirement, he enjoys relaxing and watching old black-and-white films. Humphrey Bogart and James Cagney remain two of his favorite actors. Reflecting on his time in the Navy, Smith said the most lasting lesson he carried with him was the importance of personal hygiene.
Smith’s daughter proudly described him as a devoted family man, sharing, “I don’t know if the military did this for Dad, but he was a good husband and he’s been a good father and a good grandfather. He’s very caring and always provided really well for us our whole lives.”
Veterans Care Coordination is proud to recognize Daniel Smith for his service to our country. We are privileged to have the opportunity to share the stories of our nation’s heroes. Thank you for your service, Daniel, and welcome home.
