Alfred E. Smith

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 Elwell and Nettie Smith, with older siblings Steve and Helen, and 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 histories were modest at best, and he described himself as a "late bloomer". In 1963, around his second year in college, Al spoke to classmates who were Veterans, and decided to join the Army Airborne Infantry. 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 Al 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 survived several near-death experiences in Vietnam, as well as experienced incidents that helped form his compassionate perspective on humanity. Al was interviewed by Reynel Martinez for a book about his platoon in 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 a 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 completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in Operations and Intelligence School. He is remembered by the men as an excellent JumpMaster (105 jumps) 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 many topics, and was always inquisitive about something new. Most of all, though, he enjoyed people. Whoever Al was conversing with had his complete attention, and he invited full, deep, discussion of the topic at hand.

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 family members grew up relying on his listening ear and his thoughtful questions that guided understanding.

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 had a profound sense of justice, and injustice would stir him to action.

Al loved the written word and took copious notes (and created Excel sheets) on many areas of his life. He searched for patterns, for deeper meaning and understanding in interpersonal interactions, dreams, situations, and events.

Because he took the time to really listen to each person, he positively impacted many lives, both military and civilian. One always finished a conversation with him feeling that the world was a bit brighter. May we aspire to be a light to others as he was.

He is survived by and is deeply missed by many family members and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of the Varcoe-Thomas Funeral Home, 344 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901.

Send condolences to www.varcoethomasfuneralhome.com