Vietnam and Marine Corps veteran, founder and former chairman of FedEX and co-chairman of the National World War II Memorial campaign, Fred Smith, posthumously received the Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee Unity Award from the Friends of the National World War II Memorial on Dec. 18.
“Our father, Fred Smith, believed deeply that honoring our nation’s veterans was both a responsibility and a privilege,” said Samantha Smith Atkinson, director, FedEx Government Affairs. "His leadership in supporting the National World War II Memorial reflected his lifelong commitment to service, unity, and remembrance. At FedEx, we continue to be guided by his example, connecting people, supporting those who serve, and ensuring that the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation are never forgotten.”
Smith, who died earlier this year, was recognized for his pivotal role in the creation of the National World War II Memorial and his extraordinary commitment to service and philanthropy.
“Fred Smith embodied the very spirit of the Greatest Generation: service before self, quiet determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of unity,” said Friends of the National World War II Memorial chair Jane Droppa. “From his time as a Marine in Vietnam to building a company that connected the world, Smith understood that progress is achieved when people work together toward a shared mission.”
As co-chairman of the fundraising campaign for the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., Smith worked alongside former Sen. Bob Dole and other national leaders to secure private donations that made the memorial a reality on the National Mall. His leadership helped drive public awareness and financial support for the project that recognized the courage and unity of that generation, ensuring that the Memorial would stand as a lasting tribute to the more than 16 million Americans who served in uniform and the millions more who supported the war effort at home.
Smith’s commitment to veterans and military history was deeply personal. He drew on his own experience of service and the legacy of family members who served in World War II to champion the memorial project, helping to bridge private philanthropy and national remembrance. In addition to his role with the World War II Memorial, he also co-chaired the campaign for the National Museum of the Marine Corps, further underscoring his lifelong commitment to honoring those who served and preserving their stories for future generations.
The award is named in honor of McGee, an original Tuskegee Airman. McGee died at the age of 102 in January 2022. Other recipients of the award include Robin Roberts, Norman Mineta, Steven Spielberg, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.