Member News

April 27, 2007

Dan Smith Receives USA Judo Medal of Honor at Senior Nationals

SFC Dan Smith receives the USA Judo Medal of Honor from Dr. Ron Tripp.

USA Judo presented Sergeant First Class Dan Smith (Dickson, Tenn.) with one of the organization’s most prestigious awards – the USA Judo Medal of Honor – on April 20 at the USA Judo Senior National Championships in Miami, Fla.

Smith, a fifth-degree black belt in judo, is a 20-year veteran of special operations in the U.S. Army who was awarded the Bronze Star award with valor for selfless actions committed on November 22, 2002 in Afghanastan where his honorable actions saved the lives of his personnel as he drew all fire from the enemy to his own location during an attack to allow U.S. forces to return to safety.  Less than a year later, Smith was wounded in Afghanastan during Operation Founding Freedom.  For his courageous actions on March 12, 2003, Dan Smith also received a second Bronze Star Award with Valor.  In addition to his Bronze Star Medal awards, Smith also has received Purple Heart Awards for wounds received in action. 

Smith (second from right) is recognized with former members of the World Military Championships Team.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for bravery and acts of merit. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces.

“It is great to have the opportunity to honor a hero like Dan who is truly one of our own,” said USA Judo President Dr. Ron Tripp (Norman, Okla.)  “At a time when so many Americans are making the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, we are so appreciative that Dan is home safe.”

About the USA Judo Medal of Honor

In October of 2001, the Board of Directors of USA Judo awarded its first three medals of honor in recognition of the heroism and sacrifice of Jeremy Glick, Christian Reggenhard and Paul Pansini who were lost in the 9 /11 tragedy.  The medal reflects the ideals of our great sport and the principles of honor and commitment.  Since 2001, medals of honor have been presented to President Emeritus Yosh Uchida (San Jose, Calif.), Secretary and the “First Lady of Judo” Verna Larkins (Denver, Colo.), former USA Judo Executive Director Bill Rosenberg (Atlanta, Ga.) and former USA Judo Board Member Tad Nalls (Bethesda, Md.) for leadership and lifetime service.