Frederick W. Smith - Memorial Day 2024

Frederick W. Smith, Founder and Executive Chairman of FedEx Corporation, embodies a legacy steeped in service, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. Born in Mississippi and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Smith entered Yale to pursue a degree in economics in 1962. After graduating from Yale in 1966, he served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, which included two tours of duty in Vietnam. Smith’s valor and dedication shone brightly during this time in the Marine Corps, where he served as a rifle platoon leader, a company commander and forward air controller (FAC) in the OV-10.
Honored with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts, Smith concluded his military service in 1970. Just a few years later, he launched the original air-ground Federal Express network, which began operations in 1973 to serve the rapidly growing high-tech, high-value-added sectors of the economy. From a tiny startup with just 14 airplanes which delivered 186 packages its first night, FedEx has since grown into a $90 billion global enterprise that serves more than 220 countries and territories. Today, FedEx operations include 719 aircraft, more than 500,000 team members worldwide currently handle approximately 15 million shipments each day.
In Smith’s words: “What I learned in the Marines has stuck with me for all these years. When people ask what principles have guided me since I started FedEx, my answer is the leadership tenets I learned in the Marine Corps during my service in Vietnam.”
Throughout its 50-year history, Smith has ensured FedEx supports nonprofit organizations that help our men and women transitioning from the military and their families to find meaningful careers, continue their education, or start their own businesses. Additionally, Smith and FedEx have supported the memorials and museums nationally that recognize and remember the service and sacrifice of our armed forces.
Smith has been named in Forbes “100 Greatest Living Business Minds” and has also been named a top CEO by both Barron’s and Chief Executive magazines. Beyond his professional endeavors, Smith remains deeply involved in philanthropic initiatives, actively contributing to veteran support programs and community outreach efforts. His impressive accolades are far-reaching, and he has always remembered to uphold veterans, having served as co-chairman of both the U.S. World War II Memorial project and the campaign for the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

[@danielheinz7982]

I am honored to work at FedEx and blessed to work at his company! He is one of the finest humans on this earth - a TRUE HERO and overflowing with INTEGRITY!!! Thank you Fred Smith for all your contributions to our world :)

[@willgraylin9028]

Fred Smith is a great American hero and an extraordinary human being. He dedicated his life to create value for humanity and understands the importance of commerce that bring collaboration and peace. What a moving speech and tribute to all those who served, especially for the veterans from the Vietnam conflict.

[@SamuraiPulse]

A great leader and patriot is Mr. Smith. Long live FedEx and Semper Fi!

[@sandrakhan6712]

Very much enjoyed Mr. Smith's comments and proud to be an Air Force Veteran!