News>Silver Star presented for fallen Airman's 'gallantry in action'
Photos
Tactical Air Control Party specialists from the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron, Ft. Riley Kan., stand in formation during a Silver Star medal presentation for Senior Airman Bradley Smith Sept. 8, 2012 in his hometown of Troy, Ill. Smith was killed in action while serving as a TACP in Afghanistan Jan. 3, 2010. Members of the 10th ASOS spent a week ruck marching his medal 370 miles from Kansas to Troy for the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane)
Maj. Gen. Lawrence L. Wells, 9th Air Force commander, presents the Silver Star to Tiffany Smith, widow of Senior Airman Bradley Smith during a ceremony Sept. 8, 2012 in Troy, Ill. Smith spent only a few weeks with his new daughter, Chloe, now almost age 3, before deploying to Afghanistan where just months later he was killed by an IED during a firefight. As a Tactical Air Control Party member, or TACP, Brad was part of a two-man team assigned to support a 13-man Army platoon and was trained to call in close air support should the men come under fire and need the battlefield neutralized from above. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade)
Members of the Smith family prepare to receive the Silver Star in honor of Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith, who was killed in Afghanistan Jan. 3, 2010. From left are Brad's brother, Tech. Sgt. Ryan Smith and his wife, Shawna,and parent, Paula and Gary Smith of Troy, Ill. The Smiths have been instrumental in keeping Brad's legacy alive through an annual 5K run and by serving other parents who have lost a child. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade)
A stand alone chair, decorated with a flag from Senior Airman Bradley Smith’s unit and his uniform, symbolizes his absence during a Silver Star ceremony in Troy, Ill., Sept. 8, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade)
Tactical Air Control Party specialists from the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron, Ft. Riley Kan., stand in formation during a Silver Star medal presentation for Senior Airman Bradley Smith Sept. 8, 2012 in his hometown of Troy, Ill. Smith was killed in action while serving as a TACP in Afghanistan Jan. 3, 2010. Members of the 10th ASOS spent a week ruck marching his medal 370 miles from Kansas to Troy for the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane)
Senior Airmen Mike Malarsie and Bradley Smith pose for a photo during their Afghanistan deployment. An improvised explosive device attack mortally wounded Airman Smith and injured Airman Malarsie Jan. 3, in Afghanistan. The two tactical airlift control party Airmen were assigned to the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron at Fort Riley, Kan. (Courtesy photo)
by Karen Petitt
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
9/9/2012 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- Dressed in a silver and black dress, 3-year-old Chloe Smith stood beside her mother, Tiffany, as they accepted a Silver Star award today in honor of Senior Airman Bradley R. Smith who was killed in action at the age of 24 in Afghanistan Jan. 3, 2010.
Maj. Gen. Lawrence Wells, 9th Air Force commander, presented the medal "on behalf of a grateful nation and even more grateful Air Force" to Smith's widow, his parents, Gary and Paula Smith, and to Tech. Sgt. Ryan Smith, Brad's brother, during a ceremony in Troy, Ill.
Upon receiving the award, Tiffany said she was thankful for the efforts of everyone who took part in seeing that Brad received the honor he had earned.
"When I first learned of what Brad did, I wasn't filled with pride like I am today," she said. "Quite frankly I was very upset at him and would just yell out 'Why didn't you keep your head down?' or 'Why couldn't you have just been a coward ... just this once?' In the midst of my tantrum, a good friend reminded me that Brad wasn't trying to be a hero, and that he wasn't trying to do anything more than what he thought was right and necessary ... and that 'coward' wasn't a word that he knew.
"Over time I could see that he was just being true to the kind of man that he was. He was my hero long before his death. His passion for life, love for his family and dedication to always bettering himself is what made Brad my hero. This Silver Star solidifies what I already knew about my husband, and it will serve as a reminder of the hero that he truly was ... both in the way he lived and died."
Wells recounted the significance of the Silver Star--the third highest award for military members--and said that Brad exemplified heroism in combat.
"Brad's life embodied gallantry in action, which started long before the tragic event that took his life," he said. "On Sept. 11, 2001--Brad's 16th birthday--he watched with the rest of the world as terrorists attacked the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. It was only five short years later that he joined the Air Force and brought his talent to the fight for the Global War on Terrorism. When he enlisted, he became part of the one percent of Americans who proudly serve our nation ... knowing that he would be called to action during a time of war."
As a former football player for Triad High School, Brad knew what it meant to be part of an elite team like the Tactical Air Control Party, explained Wells.
"You have to be the best of the best ... and Brad excelled [at everything he did]. I stand in awe of everything he accomplished in just four short years of Air Force service. ...Our TACP warriors are not common men. They are uncommonly brave ... committed to leaving no one behind and always demonstrating valor in the face of the enemy. Duty first, always ready. Well done our good and faithful servant."
The Silver Star travelled 370 miles from Fort Riley, Kan., carried by members of Brad's unit, the 10th Air Support Operations Squadron during a 24-hour ruck march that ended in a heavy downpour as the entire team walked the last mile into town. Other TACPs from the 168th and 169th ASOS Guard units from Peoria, Ill., joined them in formation for the award ceremony.
Senior Airman Ben Nobles, 10th ASOS, said the ruck march was a physical memorial to show support to the Smith family.
"It was hot and physically challenging," he said, "but we were all motivated to do this for Brad."
Also marching with the unit was Senior Airman Mike Malarsie, who was with Brad the day he was killed. Malarsie was Brad's TACP partner and they were trained to call in close air support should the Army platoon they were assigned to need "help from above." Their patrol entered a village when an IED triggered, killing two soldiers and seriously wounding Malarsie. Brad and Army medic Brian Bowman went to his aid and got him to safety. After continuing to direct close air support, Brad and Bowman went to retrieve the body of one of the fallen soldiers when the second IED triggered, killing both men instantly.
Though blinded, Malarsie continues to serve on active duty, and spoke fondly of Brad during the ceremony, recalling several conversations and humorous moments that shed light on Brad's personality.
"We had nothing but fun ... even in some of our firefights," he said. "We loved our job ... we were mostly concerned with protecting the guys on the ground. I don't remember a whole lot about that day, but what Brad did was not surprising ... that's who he was, and it was an honor for me to have served with him. His legacy will live on."
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn also addressed the audience and said that while "God did not give Brad a long physical life, he gave Brad a purposeful life." He praised the Smiths for raising sons with high moral values and offered his thanks to them for their continued service to other parents who've lost a child.
"It is the duty of the living to ensure our heroes are not forgotten," he said. "Brad had a servant's heart ... and our faith teaches us that we will see him again."
No one knows that better than his mother, Paula, who said Brad would be embarrassed by "all this commotion" surrounding him today. But, that he'd also be humbled by the show of support, and the kindness and generosity of everyone who has made this possible. She recited Brad's favorite scripture that spoke to being "strong and courageous ... do not be discouraged ... do not be terrified, for your Lord God will be with you wherever you go."
"There have been many days filled with grief, loneliness, heartache and sadness," she said. "But then there are days like today filled with hope, compassion, friendship, unity, extreme thankfulness, pride ... celebration and remembrance. There is no greater love than this ... that a man lay down his life for his friends. Thank you everyone for making this a wonderful day."
Comments
9/13/2012 10:13:28 PM ET Just to clear up some of these harsh comments, the medal process for SrA Smith went like so: He was immediately awarded a Bronze Star with a Valor Device, which is an amazingly prestigious award in the first place. His commander back home then decided that he was going to make every attempt to have the award escalates to a Silver Star. Because of the length of time it takes to get first hand accounts and information from people scattered all over the country, then the review process, then the amount of time it took to set up the ceremony you are looking at 2 years later.
Ryan, Ill.
9/13/2012 3:04:39 PM ET I have to agree with Chris and the worried airman here.
KC, JBSA
9/13/2012 2:17:47 PM ET Wow. Here is a good news story about the USAF belatedly yet rightfully honoring a fallen hero and many of the comments seem focused on the length of the administrative process. Get over it. The USAF recently awarded a POW medal to an Airmen who was a hostage in Iran in 1979. It still awards medals to Airmen from WWII through Vietnam. Sometimes these things take time but in the end the right thing was done and it does not diminish the courage accomplishments or sacrifices made by the recipients. RIP SrA Smith. Thank you for your sacrifice and blessings to your family and your comrades in arms.
Lt Col Lloyd Cook Ret, Colorado
9/12/2012 4:45:24 PM ET Here is my opinion and I'm not affraid to say it out loud. This Airman gave his life away for his comrades and his country. He did so in a blink of an eye he didn't take the time to investigate what was going on if it was safe for him to act he just did it and no doubt others are now alive because of him. So then why should leadership take 2 years or as CMsgt M Sullivan said maybe even 4 to 5 years to award him with a small recognition Leadership should have showed up at his funeral with the medal ready without looking through his records. Do you think these brave Airmen look through the records of their fellow comrades before deciding who to save I don't care if this guy had adverse actions on him you are recognizing his actions on the battlefront not on paper.
Chris, JBSA
9/12/2012 2:03:37 PM ET My name is Sr. Airmen Joshua Adam Foskey Smith. I also am a member of the Air National Guard. I just wanted to send this message to your family that what your son did gives me a since of pride. No one ever leaves to fight a war and says I'll never see you again. But it happens. Your son was nothing short of a true warrior. Our core values embodied. Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence In All We Do. He lived the creed. Not a lot of people can truly say that. I know you're very proud of him. I know you miss him. I know his brothers in arms miss him. We all suffer with you and share your pain. You are in my prayers.
Joshua Adam Foskey Smith, Brantley County GA
9/12/2012 9:58:51 AM ET Regardless of what this Airman's file looked like he died for his country and that by itself should be the sole factor for the medal. It's a shame that this process takes as long as it does even when someone has given their life just shows that politics prevail in everything.
SJ, Florida
9/11/2012 3:05:59 AM ET I am from Troy IL and I knew Brad. He was a great man everything in the article stands true. He really was a great man and I am happy to say that he was one of my fellow airmen. I am happy that he finally got his star I know everybody back home really wanted that for him. Thanks for serving Bradley. Miss you.
Heather Mooney , Ellsworth AFB SD
9/11/2012 1:46:36 AM ET I agree WA The O's probably had to go through his EPRs to see if he had passed all of his PFAs and to see what volunteer programs he had given time to before awarding him the Silver Star. This was a very brave guy that put his lif on th line for us all Shame on you USAF for the time it took recoginize his efforts RIP SrA Smith and God bless your family.
Get Real USAF, Nun-Ya
9/10/2012 11:10:23 PM ET Worried Airman I agree with you that awards should not take as long as they do but as a former Command Chief Master Sargent I know how long the investigation takes at each level before it is signed by the SACAF. Sometimes you are looking at 4 to 5 years.
CMsgt M Sullivan, South Florida
9/10/2012 6:51:06 PM ET A well deserved award thank you for your sacrifice. Here's a toast.
Capt Noone, Colorado
9/10/2012 5:14:55 PM ET As a former TAC controllerKorean era I take great pride in offering my salute to this great Air Force warrior of modern era. My prayers go forth to his family and commrads in arms.May GOD in all his wisdom and love soon stop this endless slaughter of our youth. ORB
William A.CowanE-6Ret., SaginawTexas
9/10/2012 12:08:26 PM ET May god be with the wife and daughter of this brave soldier as well as his family. Let this be a reminder for all of us of the people who gave their lives and continue to give their lives for the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted nowadays. R.I.P. SrA Bradley Smith your sacrafice for our country will not be forgotten not by me your brother family wife or the rest of this country. Thank you.
Joe, Arizona
9/10/2012 2:22:41 AM ET GUNG HO brother steady state on our end honoring the fallen. Keeping the Smith Gray and CT families friends and all our TACP brothers in our thoughts and prayers.
POLU, RC EAST
9/9/2012 9:52:13 PM ET It took two years to give this medal to his widow...very telling of the Air Force. This man died for his country and it still took two years to award him and his family. Shame on you Air Force...SHAME ON YOU. His family should have been given this award shortly after his death but I am sure a few officers who have never been in combat held it up for a while. This story is everything that is wrong with the Air ForceRead SrA Jason Cunninghams package and tell me he doesnt deserve the Medal of Honor. The Air Force needs to fix their Medal program. RIP SrA Smith you were a true hero and deserve more from your country God Bless you and your Family
