The Blind Marine Who Crawled Through Hell: Cpl. William “Billy” H. Smith – Veterans Day 2025 Tribute

Graceful Transitions – Veterans Day 2025 Final Remembrance

On Veterans Day 2025, Graceful Transitions honors Montana veterans and heroes like Cpl. William “Billy” H. Smith, whose bravery and resilience inspire us all.

We saved the most powerful story in the entire Library of Congress Veterans History Project for the very end of our Veterans Day series.

He was 19 when the landmine turned him into a human torch.

Both legs gone. Both eyes gone. Doctors gave him six hours to live.

Instead, blind and bleeding, Marine Corporal William “Billy” H. Smith crawled 200 yards through a burning Vietnamese rice paddy — dragging his screaming friend to safety while the enemy hunted them.

He woke up 11 days later asking for a cigarette.

Fifty-seven years later, the blind double-amputee holds the world skydiving record and learned to fly planes by feel.

Graceful Transitions proudly remembers every Montana veteran this Veterans Day, supporting families and seniors while honoring those who served with courage and sacrifice.

His words that will stay with you forever:

“我 lost my eyes, but Vietnam gave me vision. I see more now than I ever did with two good eyes.”

Watch his full 2-hour video interview + read the complete transcript — preserved forever by the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

CLICK HERE: BILLY’S FULL VIDEO + TRANSCRIPT (Library of Congress)

https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.105312/

Official permanent link: https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.105312/

Collection ID: AFC 2001/001/105312

Full credit and deepest gratitude to the Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress, for collecting and preserving Corporal Smith’s sacred testimony.

To every veteran who came home changed and still chose to live boldly — we honor you.

Thank you, Billy. Semper Fi.

Graceful Transitions

Veterans Day 2025