Leonard Smith in Army uniform

A single portrait of Leonard Smith, who moved from Beltsville as a young man to Lakeland. He attended Maryland State College. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant during his time in the army. Upon returning Smith became a leader for the American Legion Post in Lakeland, and in 1972 became the first African American American Legion Commander for Prince George's County, where 16 of the 19 posts were predominantly white. As county commander, he led a membership of 7,000.