He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated a second lieutenant of Field Artillery, 13 June 1929.

Smith's first assignment was that of student officer at the Air Corps Primary and Advanced Flying Schools at Brooks and Kelly Fields, Texas.

Later in the year he left the pursuit group to become chief of staff of the advanced echelon of the newly activated Fifth Air Force.

Major General Smith was appointed assistant for programming in that office in February 1948, a position he held until 14 August 1950.

He served there until 20 June 1956, when he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and again joined the Fifth Air Force, this time as its commander.

On 1 July 1961, Smith assumed duties as vice chief of staff, United States Air Force, Washington, D.C.