If I remember correctly, the Founder was a former Naval Aviator. He knows what the flag means to us. (okay, to Freepers, anyway)
I stand corrected. Fred Smith was a USMC Forward Air Controller in Viet Nam. Not a Naval Aviator. Still a Patriot. Ooo Rahh!
Fred Smith, Founder & CEO of FedEx
After graduation, Smith was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving for three years (from 1966 to 1969) as a platoon leader and a forward air controller (FAC), flying in the back seat of the OV-10. Much mythology exists about this part of his life; Smith was a Marine Corps “Ground Officer” for his entire service. He was specially trained to fly with pilots and observe and ‘control’ ground action. He never went through Navy flight training and was not a “Naval aviator” or “pilot” in the military. Individuals who completed Navy flight training and became a “Designated Naval Aviator” (pilot) were obligated to serve six years at the time.
As a Marine, Smith had the opportunity to observe the military’s logistics system first hand. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, flying with pilots on over 200 combat missions. He was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of Captain, having received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. While in the military, Smith carefully observed the procurement and delivery procedures, fine-tuning his dream for an overnight delivery service.[4]