After being sidelined for about four months due to a heart attack, Gen. Eric Smith is taking steps to return to full duty as commandant of the Marine Corps. Smith recently made a quiet return to the Pentagon, attending meetings and getting updates to prepare for his eventual return to full duty. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that his return could happen in the coming weeks.
The heart attack occurred on Oct. 29 near his home at Marine Barracks Washington, resulting in cardiac arrest. Following successful surgery in early January to repair a bicuspid aortic valve, the Marine Corps announced that Smith would return to full duty status as Commandant.
