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Bronze Star shines at Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Veronica McMahon
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. --  The Bronze Star was awarded to Senior Master Sgt. David Smith during a special ceremony Sept. 18. 

Sergeant Smith earned the medal for his actions during an Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment December 2007 to June 2008. 

The Bronze Star medal is a U.S. Armed Forces military decoration awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service. It's awarded to military members who distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement while engaged in an action against a U.S. enemy or engaged in operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. 

"It's fairly humbling to receive the award," said Sergeant Smith. "I'm proud, and feel great in everything I did, yet there are lots of people doing lots of great things." 

Maj. Jonathan Terry, 325th CONS commander, presented Sergeant Smith the award. 

"This award comes as no surprise. Senior Master Sgt. Smith's dedication, sacrifice and actions during his deployment are a great representation of what many of our brave men and women are doing in theater" said Major Terry. "His efforts positively impacted over 280,000 Army, Marine, Navy and Air Force personnel." 

According to the award narrative, Sergeant Smith demonstrated decisive leadership, professional skill and flawless operation support to 14 Joint Regional Contracting Centers at 12 different forward operating bases dispersed throughout Iraq. Despite significant exposure to hostile action, the sergeant regularly traveled to these locations by road convoy, fixed winged aircraft and helicopters. His mentoring and training to 146 joint service contingency contracting officers executed the highest amounts of contract action in dollar amount in the command's history. 

"His hard work both here and abroad speaks highly of his dedication and commitment to the contracting career field and United States Air Force," said Major Terry. 

Sergeant Smith shared his award with those close to him at home and abroad. 

"I am humbled, proud and honored to receive such an awesome medal," said Sergeant Smith. "It is not just a reflection of my efforts, but the efforts of my leaders, unit and family."