 He served first as commanding officer, Marine Aircraft Group 33, until February 1954, then as assistant chief of staff, G-4 of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.Upon his return from Korea, Smith was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps in August 1954, and entered the National War College, completing the course in June 1955.The following month he was assigned to Marine Corps Schools, Quantico, as a member of the Advanced Research Group, serving in this capacity until July 1956.