● As the overall manager of the training office, maintains oversight of all individual and unit training requirements, opportunities and venues; manages the formal schools program; prepares the semi-annual command chronology and various training reports; and is the technical expert assisting the III MEF staff in developing and managing a focused, challenging, and realistic joint training program.“Major Smith played a crucial role in laying the foundation for a joint training plan and implementing the Joint Training Information Management System to prepare III Marine Expeditionary Force for certification as a Joint Task Force Headquarters.”—LtGen R.C. Zilmer, 5 Jun 2009 (award excerpt)Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force

● Navy component lead planner for Joint/Combined military exercises in Southeast Asia including Exercises Cobra Gold (Thailand) and Balikatan (Philippines).● Responsible for developing, coordinating, supervising and/or participating in exercise objective and Mission Essential Task List (METL) planning, scenario development, force planning, logistics planning, Time-Phased Force Deployment Data validation, force protection planning, and after-action assessment."Through his leadership, outstanding personal initiative, and exceptional knowledge of the U.S. Pacific Command Joint Training Strategy and Theater Security Cooperation Programs, Major Smith coordinated the flawless execution of the Pacific Fleet's Southeast Asia exercise program, contributing significantly to regional maritime security initiatives."—Admiral R.F. Willard, 6 Jun 2008 (award excerpt)Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

● Second-in-command and "chief-of-staff" for USMC tank battalion consisting of 58 M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, more than 100 trucks, and 800 Marines and sailors."As principle coordinator of staff action, Maj Smith excelled at balancing direction and delegation. He was able to motivate, lead, and inspire the staff to achieve great results in a highly dynamic environment. His style of leadership was never abrasive, and produced exceptional results. Has the innate ability to motivate juniors and peers alike to excel in all missions.”“Maj Smith’s positive approach, unmatched organizational skills, and calm demeanor under pressure allowed the battalion to excel during this period.”—LtCol A.T. Slaughter, 27 Jun 2005Battalion Commander“Exceptionally talented and tireless in his work ethic…”“Smart, exercising great judgment, and possessing tremendous organizational skills, he has helped the battalion meet its training and readiness goals.”—MajGen R.F. Natonski, 8 Jul 2005Commanding General, 1st Marine Division“Exhibited great patience with a relatively inexperienced staff—effectively coached lieutenants and junior captains on everything from investigation procedures to leadership issues to training.”—LtCol J.B. Chartier, 18 Jun 2004Battalion Commander“Runs staff smoothly, problem-solving skills are solid, even when handling multiple challenges simultaneously.”—MajGen J.N. Mattis, 30 Jun 2004Commanding General, 1st Marine Division“During [Operation Iraqi Freedom], calm demeanor during combat allowed him to provide sound counsel to Bn Commander and S-3.”“Seamlessly picked up control of fight when Alpha command was overcome by exhaustion."—LtCol J.B. Chartier, 8 Aug 2003Battalion Commander“Shows great adeptness for team building and problem solving... Without fanfare he has become a principle leadership force within the battalion.”—MajGen J.N. Mattis, 9 Sep 2003Commanding General, 1st Marine Division

● HQMC Subject Matter Expert and the Advocate’s direct representative in leading the development of armor and anti-armor policies.● Coordinates policy regarding tank community issues, programs, doctrine, and manpower with HQMC, MCCDC, and the Operating Forces.● Authors/edits general officer testimony before the Senate and House of Representatives.● Develops speeches and briefings for general officers in support of the USMC Communication Plan.“Intelligent, articulate, highest standard of bearing; the example of soldierly virtue… instills confidence in all.”—LtCol H.M. Robbins, 14 Aug 2001Head, Ground Combat Element BranchOperations Division“Superior performer who consistently gets results. Every task performed beyond expectations… I trust Dan’s comments and recommendations above all within [Operations Division].”—BGen G.C. Nash, 3 Oct 2001Director, Operations DivisionDeputy Commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations“Superbly talented Armor / Anti-armor officer and advocate. Consistently exceeds expectations. Respected by all in the tank community; recognized expert on all related issues.”“Exceptional ability in tough situations; regularly briefs our most senior Marine Corps leadership at the three and four star level. Does so confidently and cogently, most often getting the sought after result.”“Needs almost no guidance; uses well-developed sense of mission to get to the right solutions quickly.”—LtCol T.M. Lockard, 3 Jul 2002Head, Ground Combat Element BranchOperations Division“Competent and confident, he has demonstrated versatility and tenacity, whether interacting with peers on the Headquarters Marine Corps staff or assisting the operating forces with manpower and equipment issues. This officer has made a difference in Plans, Policies and Operations.”—BGen R.F. Natonski, 3 Jul 2002Director, Operations Division

● Maintains constant situational awareness of current and developing situations around the world which affect or may affect the U.S. Marine Corps.● Maintains constant communication and coordination with the National Military Command Center (higher), other service command centers (adjacent), and Marine Forces (subordinate).● Conducts significant event notifications to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and supporting staff.“Major Smith’s contribution to mission accomplishment has been significant and measureable.”—LtCol R.K. Rice, 11 Jan 2001 Head, Marine Corps Command Center“Dan Smith has performed superbly in one of the most challenging field grade assignments within Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.”—BGen G.C. Nash, 16 Jan 2000 Director, Operations Division Deputy Commandant, PP&O Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps“Clearly demonstrates understanding and ability to transition required processes through leveraging new information technology to improve speed and effectiveness.”“Reflective and poised demeanor encourages calm organizational approach to problem solving.”—LtCol R.F. Kluba, 5 Jan 2000Head, Marine Corps Command Center

● Plans, coordinates, and supervises the tactical employment of tank battalion consisting of four tank companies, one scout platoon, one anti-tank (TOW) platoon, and infantry, engineer, air defense, assault amphibian (AAV) and other attachments.● Plans, coordinates, and supervises the execution of battalion training programs, schedules, and field exercises."Flawless performance as the Ground Combat Element S-3 for Type Commander's Amphibious Training 98-2. From planning the amphibious assault to its execution and subsequent operations ashore, Dan received many laudatory comments from the MAGTF and Phibron Commanders and their staffs."—Maj R.S. West, 20 Aug 1998Battalion Executive Officer"Performance as my S-3 was SIMPLY SUPERB!! He is a better S-3 than I was!! Made the battalion look great during TCAT 98-2. Mature, composed, tactically superior from planning to execution!! Never gets rattled...always gives 100% and always achieves superior results!! Ranked 1 of 11 exceptional captains in the battalion!!"—LtCol W.H. Callahan Jr., 23 Aug 1998Battalion Commander"Possesses tremendous drive and motivation - a superb achiever who effectively imparts commander's intent into well executed operations... tremendous managerial skill and precise planning ability... A proven MAGTF officer who inspires and motivates his Marines and peers to achieve excellence.—Maj R.E. Jamison Jr., 1 May 1998Battalion S-3

● Plans, coordinates, and supervises the tactical employment, training, and maintenance of a tank company consisting of eighty-five Marines, fourteen M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks, two M88A1 tank retrievers, and other associated trucks and equipment.● Responsible for the health, welfare, and professional development of four Marine lieutenants, eleven staff non-commissioned officers, twenty-eight non-commissioned officers, and forty-two junior enlisted Marines."An exceptionally talented, inexaustible, impressive officer... My strongest tactical leader! At his absolute best in the field teaching and mentoring Marines... Pursues the resolution of every problem with unrelenting tenacity. Leads from the front... The quality of leader I want on the ground with me in a combat situation. Superb communications skills across the board. Speaks his mind backed with strong logic."—LtCol W.H. Callahan Jr., 27 Feb 1998Battalion Commander"Relentless commitment to the outstanding. Consummate professional. Distinct ability to inspire Marines to perform above and beyond. In the top 20% of highly competitive captains in my Division."—MajGen E.R. Bedard, 19 Mar 1998Commanding General, 2d Marine Division"An avid trainer and planner... Establishes clear and realistic goals for his company and works doggedly to attain them... He has executed every tasking with enviable tactical proficiency and technical dexterity... Captain Smith is a resourceful and intelligent leader who encourages and supports his junior officers and SNCOs to strive for their best by stimulating their creative efforts."—LtCol T.F. Thaler, 13 Jun 1997Battalion Commander

● Plans, coordinates, and facilitates weekend and annual training for a Marine Corps Reserve tank battalion.● Manages inventory, property accounting, and maintenance of all tank battalion equipment."Logical and methodical when attacking problems. Has meticulously and energetically accomplished numerous projects: two TEEPs, mid-range training plan, I-I mobilization integration plan, new automated situation report, site Emergency Action Plan, wrote several policy letters, coordinated a battalion FSCEX/ASCEX at 29 Palms, and a CAST training evolution at Camp Pendleton [that was] second to none.""[Captain Smith] was the Toys for Tots coordinator for the entire San Diego County area where we gave over 32,000 children toys for Christmas. [He] successfully worked with media of all types and numerous corporate sponsors."—LtCol J.F. Hemleben, 19 Jun 1996Inspector-Instructor

● Plans, coordinates, and supervises the tactical employment, training, and maintenance of a tank battalion scout platoon consisting of twenty-four Marines, eight HMMWV trucks, and other associated equipment.● Responsible for the health, welfare, and professional development of one staff non-commissioned officer, eight non-commissioned officers, and fourteen junior enlisted Marines.● Deployed to Somalia for Operation Restore Hope."Extremely talented leader of Marines! Tactically superior to contemporaries. Aggressive, common-sense leadership style instrumental in his platoon's successful escort of over 45 separate convoys carrying combined over 670 metric tons of grain during Operation Restore Hope."—Capt R.B. McClary, 2 Jul 1993Company Commander"Bright, tough, insightful. The best tactical mind of any 1st Lt in the Battalion.""His intense focus on mission accomplishment radiates clearly from the combat readiness, training, confidence and enthusiasm displayed by every Marine in the Scout Platoon."—LtCol T.E. Donovan, 4 Jan 1993Battalion Commander"Has dramatically improved the proficiency within his unit by designing and implementing an aggressive, challenging training program.""Not a 'yes man,' articulates and defends his position affably without hesitation."—Maj W.H. Callahan Jr., 17 Jul 1992Battalion Operations Officer

● Plans, coordinates, and supervises the tactical employment, training, logistical support and maintenance of a tank battalion antitank (TOW) platoon consisting of seventy-two Marines, twenty-four HMMWV trucks, and other associated equipment.● Responsible for the health, welfare, and professional development of four staff non-commissioned officers and sixty-eight non-commissioned officers and junior enlisted Marines."Addresses all responsibilities assigned with dedication, thoroughness and attention to detail that never fails to produce outstanding results. Has acquired a base of knowledge and tactical expertise seldom seen in an officer of his grade."—Maj W.H. Callahan Jr., 2 Jan 1992Company Commander

● Plans, coordinates, and supervises the tactical employment, training, logistical support and maintenance of a tank platoon consisting of sixteen Marines, four M60A1 / M1A1 Abrams tanks, and other associated equipment.● Responsible for the health, welfare, and professional development of one staff non-commissioned officers and fourteen non-commissioned officers and junior enlisted Marines.● Deployed to Saudi Arabia/Kuwait for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm."Because of well-balanced leadership and tactical skills, his platoon has been selected for cross-attachment to a mech infantry company. Provides excellent insight to infantry company commander for employment of tank assets. Quickly and with ease grasps maneuver warfare tactics... Treats his Marines with dignity and equality--has gained their trust and confidence."—Capt R.V. Mancini, 4 Mar 1991Company Commander"HOT TICKET. Composure far above peers. Leadership skills superb. Keep this one."—LtCol A.B. Diggs, 26 Mar 1991Battalion Commander"Served in Task Force Ripper during all phases of ground campaign of Desert Shield/Storm. Attached to mechanized infantry company and spearheaded BLT 1/7's attack into Kuwait. Kept a cool and level head under fire. This officer lead two successful breaches through two Iraqi minefields encountered in Kuwait. Outstanding combat leadership and aggressive spirit enabled his platoon to destroy numerous enemy tanks and field fortifications. I am very proud of this officer!"—Capt R.V. Mancini, 13 Jun 1991Company Commander