Roland Nesbit Smoot was a highly decorated officer in the United States Navy with the rank of Vice admiral. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he distinguished himself several times during his service with destroyers in Pacific and was decorated with two Navy Crosses, the United States Navy second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.
Smoot later rose to the flag rank and held several important assignment including Command of Cruiser Division Three and Mine Force of the United States Pacific Fleet. He completed his service as Commander, United States Taiwan Defense Command in May 1962.