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Smith's career in public service began in the early 1950s when, as a U.S. Marine, he saw combat during the Korean War. Foolowing (sic) his military service, he compleded (sic) undergraduate and advanced degress at La Universidad de las Americas in Mexico City, Columbia University, and George Washington University. In the late 1950s, Smith embarked on a career in the Department of State and, for 25 years, served as diplomatic envoy in the Soviet Union, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba. His first post was Havana, where he witnessed the victory of the Revolution and the subsequent deterioration of relations between Cuba and the U.S. When he decided to leave the Foreign Service in 1982 because of fundamental disagreements with the Reagan Administration's foreign policy [he was appointed in 1979 by Carter], he was once again stationed in Havana, this time as Chief of Mission (the highest ranking official) at the U.S. Interests Section. At that time, he was also recognized as the Department of State's leading expert on Cuba [that say's a lot].

I knew he was appointed by Carter. The latter guy sure did a bang up job when it came to Iran and Nicaragua, didn't he? (sarcasm). I didn't know he was a Marine. Talk about a dissappointmentand a disservice to that noble organization. Was he always a lefty?