Smith entered the Army during World War I and served as a private until discharged on January 28, 1919.

Smith began his political career as a member of the Illinois State Senate from 1935 until 1938, during which he authored a number of bills to aimed at reforming the legislative process.

The Italian scholar and translator, Thomas G. Bergin worked under Colonel Smith in Salerno immediately after the Nazi army had retreated towards northern Italy.

Bergin described the purposes of the Education Sub-Commission under Smith in war-torn Italy were to provide first aid and defascistization to the school system, then to hand the administration back to the Italian Government: "The readjustment in educational matters … called for patience, tact and good will on both sides.

"[3] Adding to the challenges, nearby Mount Vesuvius awoke with one of its most violent eruptions, which overwhelmed five towns.