Special Forces Association – Chapter 19

ALFRED ELWELL SMITH

“El Supremo”

04 APRIL 1941 – 18 MARCH 2026

On March 18, 2026 Alfred Elwell Smith of Doylestown, PA peacefully passed away surrounded by family. He was born in Passaic County, New Jersey, to Francis and Nettie Smith, into a family with older siblings Steve and Helen, and they were later joined by younger brother Charles. He is predeceased by all. Al often spoke of how special he felt his immediate and extended family were because of their closeness. His older brother Steve was his best friend, and throughout his life Al maintained close friendships with family members of all ages in the United States and Canada.

Al would tell you his educational and early work history were modest at best, and he described himself as a “late bloomer”. He joined the Army Airborne Infantry in 1963 after speaking to veteran college classmates. He was assigned to the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division and went to Recondo School at Fort Campbell. Recondo school had a 70% failure rate and when he successfully graduated he began to regard himself (quoting his diary), “… as an asset to the platoon and a good soldier.” By the time he graduated Jump School he had developed confidence and a sense of accomplishment. In 1965, Al volunteered for and was accepted into the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol team in the 2/502. He participated in many combat operations and earned a Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone with the Valor designation for his actions. He had several of what civilians would describe as “near death experiences” in Vietnam, as well as other incidents that impacted his perspective on humanity for the rest of his life. Al was interviewed by Reynel Martinez for a book about his platoon and Long Range Reconnaissance in Vietnam, entitled Six Silent Men, and he discussed some of his experiences there.

Following his tour in Vietnam, Al completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and had an exceptional, lifelong career as an engineer. He also joined the National Guard and the Reserves 11th Special Forces Group. He was the 18F (Operations and Intelligence) on Operational Detachment Alpha (A-Team) -124 with B company, 1st Battalion of the 11th Special Forces Group Airborne. After the 11th was deactivated he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 20th SFG and became Team Sergeant to ODA-2053. Al also completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in Operations and Intelligence School. He is remembered by the men as an excellent JumpMaster and Team Sergeant. Al joined the Special Forces Association and was assigned SFA#D-2934, and has been with Chapter 19 since the early 1970’s. To the men in Chapter 19 Al was seen as:
“A bright light with his sharp wit, knowledge, and focus on the mission. He strived to participate in many of the Chapter projects such as teaching young cadets at the Academy in Camp Buckner at West Point or role playing for Civil Affairs exercises. Cadets named him, “El Supremo”, which Al figured described him perfectly. He had a passion for instructing and training troops that penetrated those on the receiving end.

Master Sergeant Alfred Elwell Smith, this devoted patriot and soldier, was a joy to work with and will be sorely missed by his brothers-in-arms.”

Al was a true Renaissance man and would discuss classical music, literature, philosophy, religion, psychology, genealogy, military strategy, dream interpretation, flea markets, collecting, or building a breakwater – he had a lively interest in so many things, but most of all, he had an interest in people. Whoever Al was conversing with had his complete attention. As with his cadets, with whom he would initiate informal camp fire discussions, he consistently created an environment in which it was safe to express any thoughts or feelings, and to ask questions without judgment. Many of us grew up relying on his listening ear and his help in understanding the situations we were facing.

Al also used his keen intelligence to devise pranks, and he laughed just as hard when the tables were turned on him (but beware, because he did raise the stakes). A large plaque above his desk read, “Illegitimi non carborundum”, i.e. “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.” He always had a profound sense of justice, and injustice would stir him to action.

Al lived by the written word and took copious notes on all areas of his life, searching for meaning in interpersonal interactions, situations, and events. Because he took the time to really listen to each person, he positively impacted many lives, both military and civilian. You always came away from a conversation with him feeling better. May we all aspire to be like that.

He is deeply missed by many family members and friends. Really love you back.