Famous Veterans: Frederick W. Smith

FacebookXPinterestEmailEmailEmailShare
Frederick Smith, founder, chairman, president and CEO of FedEx, is a Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War.
Frederick Smith, founder, chairman, president and CEO of FedEx, is a Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War. (Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo)

Frederick W. Smith is chairman, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Corporation. Smith is responsible for providing strategic direction for all FedEx Corporation operating companies, including FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Custom Critical, FedEx Logistics and FedEx Trade Networks.

Smith founded FedEx Express in 1971, and the company began operations on April 17, 1973. A native of Marks, Mississippi, Smith attended Yale University, where he earned a bachelor's of science degree in economics in 1966. Smith served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam from 1966-1970.

Smith has served on the boards of several large public companies and is co-chairman of the U.S. World War II Memorial Project. He is also a director of the Business Roundtable, CATO Institute, Library of Congress James Madison Council and the Mayo Foundation, and he serves as vice chairman of the U.S.-China Business Council.

Want to Know More About the Military?

Be sure to get the latest news about the U.S. military, as well as critical info about how to join and all the benefits of service. Subscribe to Military.com and receive customized updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Story Continues