A salute to Lt. Col. Smith

Lt. Col. W. Thomas Smith, Jr., has often answered questions for The US Report when we need a military expert. Smith was recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Joint Services Detachment of the SC Military Dept. The ceremony was conducted Feb. 21 at SC National Guard Headquarters in the capital city of Columbia. Among the distinguished guests was Medal of Honor recipient Col. Charles Murray who presented Smith with an autographed copy of ‘Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty’ by Peter Collier and Nick Del Calzo.

Smith also received the silver oak leaves once worn by Brig. Gen. Eugene F. Rogers, who called Smith “an exceptionally able officer.”

Murray’s attendance was the second such honor for Smith who in October was administered the oath of office for major by Medal of Honor recipient and U.S. Navy SEAL Michael E. Thornton.

Smith is the senior information officer for the Medal of Honor Society 2010 Convention project. The convention will be held in Charleston.

"It's a huge personal honor to be working on the Medal of Honor Society's 2010 national convention," Smith said. "I see this as more of a national cause than a national convention because I believe far too many Americans wrongly assume that America wins all of its wars because we have resources, money, and technological superiority. Those things count to be sure. But it is our military prowess that wins battles. Military tradition is the lifeblood of that prowess, and our living recipients of the Medal of Honor are the greatest living pillars of that tradition which in turn fuels the prowess."

The SC Military Department oversees the SC Army National Guard, the SC Air National Guard, and the SC State Guard.

Smith is a nationally known journalist, military analyst, and former U.S. Marine rifle-squad leader and parachutist. He is the author of six books.

For more information about the Medal of Honor Society 2010 Convention, visit the official website.