During the Annual Board of Directors meeting, three outstanding students are awarded a$1000 scholarship, given in honor of the late Col Nate Smith, USMC(Ret). Col Smith was the archivist for the Command Museum for many years and saw great value in a good education. These recipients are college students that are either active duty Marines from the Western Recruiting Region or their dependents.                                   

Eligibility: Applicant must be an enlisted active duty Marine/ Sailor, currently assigned to
                                  MCRD San Diego/Western Recruiting Region or their dependent.
 Qualification:  Applicant must be a high school graduate or planning to graduate in June, and must provide proof
                                                 of enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate program.
 Award:  There will be three (3) merit scholarship awards presented based on academic performance,
                            community and extracurricular activities, and future potential.                                           

                                                                                        Col. Nate Smith Memorial Scholarship 

                                                                                            Download Application (.doc)

                                 Notes:
                                     *   You may submit letters of recommendation from your high school or college counselor, teacher,
                                           community or church leader.
                                     *   It is suggested that you put time and a strong effort in the personal write-up narrative as it is a
                                          significant factor in the evaluation process.
                                     *   Each applicant will be notified when their application has been received and is complete.
                                     *   Applicants will be notified whether or not they have been selected to receive an award.

                                     About Colonel Smith

                                                   Colonel Smith was born March 12, 1920 in White Haven, Pennsylvania;
                                                  Joined the Marine Corps in 1938; retired on July 31, 1968; and died March 8,2003.

                                                   Colonel Smith received a Bronze Star for service at Iwo Jima in 1945:
"First Lieutenant Smith received a report that several men were being fired upon from a bypassed cave and that two persons had been wounded. He arranged for the treatment and removal of the first wounded man and began his rescue of the trapped Marine by throwing several more grenades to cover his actions. He approached the cave and pulled the wounded man to safety while rifle fire was hitting all around him. This fearless act in the face of personal danger was a lifesaving action for a fellow Marine."

                                                    Colonel Smith received a Silver Star for service in Korea in 1951:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in action against the enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 May 1951. When his assaulting platoon were subjected to devastating enemy small-arms, mortar and automatic-weapons fire, and temporarily unable to advance, Major Smith exposed himself to the deadly hostile barrage to direct the attack. After sustaining a severe chest wound during the final assault, he refused medical attention and urged his men forward to rout the entrenched enemy, submitting to aid and evacuation only after the position had been secured and defense lines established."