Dan Heller 
Clyde was born in Crystal Lake, Minnesota, on 18 May 1937, to Milton (Mickey) and Lilly Smith. He departed his earthly life on 3 January 2025 in Austin, Texas, which had been his home for the last 25 years.
One of three children, Clyde spent his youth in Minnesota, where he was active in ROTC and football. After college graduation, Clyde joined the Air Force and became a pilot and flight instructor. After 3 years, Clyde sought a greater challenge and transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps, where he led a distinguished military career as an A-6 Intruder pilot. Clyde had two combat tours in Vietnam, one with VMA(AW)-533 in Chu Lai from 1967-68, and then as the Ops Officer for VMA(AW)-224 while attached to CVW-15 onboard the USS Coral Sea in 1971-72. In his first Marine squadron, his callsign was ‘Firewall’, for the position of his throttle in anything he was flying. His usual brief, “Try and keep up and we’ll brief on guard.” A squadron mate in VMA(AW)-533, ‘Hoot’ Hiltbrunner, described Clyde as “The most seasoned air combat attack jet pilot in the Marine Corps. Courageous, always focused on the mission, repeatedly attacking while totally engulfed in enemy anti-aircraft fire against the most heavily defended targets ever over Route Package 6 in North Vietnam.”
In April 1972, his A-6A was shot down over a heavily defended area in Laos. Miraculously, Clyde was rescued after four days on the ground. His Bombardier/Navigator, 1st Lt Scott Ketchie, is still missing. Several years ago, The History Channel interviewed Clyde on a special segment about his rescue, one of the largest rescue efforts during the Vietnam War. After being rescued, Clyde returned to combat and flew 32 more combat missions, including the initial mining of Haiphong Harbor, “Operation Pocket Money.” Promoted to LtCol, Clyde returned to MCAS Cherry Point, where he commanded two Marine Squadrons, including the VMA(AW)-332 ‘Moonlighters’. Clyde retired in 1979 and went to work for GEC-Marconi Avionics in Atlanta. An inspired leader, Clyde influenced the lives of many Marine Corps leaders and is blessed to have made many lifelong friends from his years serving with the Corps. Military honors include the Silver Star, Purple Heart, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, sixteen Air Medals, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, a Combat Action Ribbon, and a Presidential Unit Citation.
When he wasn’t working or spending time with family, Clyde was often found on the golf course. In his great retirement years, he made many good friends while playing golf at the Onion Creek Club in Austin, Texas, including meeting his wife Barbara, who he married in 2003. His greatest accomplishments were his family and the legacy he left behind.
Clyde is survived by his wife, Barbara Smith of Austin, Texas, and her children, Chris Lowe and wife Debbie; Deborah Boy and husband Michael and their children Drew Boy and fiancée Emily; Ashley Boy, Brandon Boy, Jason Lowe, Jagger Lowe, Johnny Lowe, and Jude Lowe. Clyde is also survived by his first wife, Jackie, and their three children, Mickey (Missy) Smith, Giles (Gwen) Smith, and Tonda (Glenn) Haygood, his grandchildren Rebecca Smith, Nicole Smith, Jake Smith, Trevor (Audrey) Smith, Rachel Smith, Tristan Smith, Tori Haygood, and Lexi Haygood, and three great-grandchildren Noah Smith, Callen Smith, and Rylie Smith. He also leaves behind a sister, Ellie Sunshine Woitas.Clyde was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Dennis Breeze Smith. He also lost his youngest son, Tony Dean Smith, and his grandson Shayne Smith.
Clyde will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and golfing buddies. We are grateful for the memories and wonderful times we spent with him. His Marine Corps squadron mates owe him a great debt of respect and gratitude for his exemplary leadership, compassion, and support. He was always there when he was needed most. Semper Fidelis. Fair Winds and Following Seas.
The family is working on plan for a very informal gathering in Austin, TX. The future date and time to be announced.
