Colonel (Ret.) Larry S. Schmidt retired from the Marine Corps in 1994 after a career that spanned twenty-six years and numerous conflicts. Beginning with Vietnam, in 1968-69, he served as a Rifle Platoon Commander with the Leathernecks of B Co, 1st Bn, 5th Marines, operating in I Corps. From his experiences fighting the Viet Cong, he gained firsthand knowledge of the dynamics of insurgency. Following his service in Vietnam, he distinguished himself in various command and staff assignments which culminated with Operation Desert Storm (1990-91), where he commanded the 8th Marines during the liberation of Kuwait. Larry is married and has two sons.
