TSGT Lowell Vetter Smith, Vietnam Veteran, Born in Shawneehaw Township, he became a native of Banner Elk, NC.
Technical Sergeant Lowell Vetter Smith was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Air Force, TSGT Smith served our country until February 24th, 1968 in Gia Dinh, South Vietnam. He was 34 years old and was married. It was reported that Lowell died from artillery fire. His body was recovered. Lowell was born on October 23rd, 1933 in Shawneehaw Township, Watauga County, North Carolina. TSGT Smith is on panel 41E, line 012 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 16 years.
OBITUARY FROM LOCAL NEWSPAPER: AREA MAN KILLED IN VIETNAM.
Tech Sgt Lowell Vetter Smith, 34, died on active duty in Vietnam on 24 February when a barracks he was occupying was hit by an artillery round. Surviving are the widow, Mrs Mary Ann Perry Smith, two children; Kim and Gregory Lowell, the parents, Mr and Mrs W.C.Smith all of Banner Elk, Route 2. five sisters, Mrs Ruth Welch, and Mrs Doris Bliss of Banner Elk, Mrs Velma Dobson of Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs Victoria Yates of Vilas, and Mrs Helen Hominger of Route 3, Boone, three brothers; Hade of Banner Elk, Byrd of Route 3, Boone and Hoover Smith of Route 3, Lexington.
TSGT Smith attended Cove Creek High School in Sugar Grove and Applachian State University in Boone. He was enlisted in the United States Air Force for 16 Years.
He was the husband of Mrs Mary A Smith, Route #2, Box 168, Banner Elk, NC.
He served with the 1st Combat Evaluations Group, 7th Air Force, Vietnam.
He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, the Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/3 devices, the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Burial: Liberty Church Cemetery, Matney, North Carolina. Plot: Smith
(source: Reece, Jim & Reece Thomas;NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites)
