Senior Master Sergeant Cedric V. Smith was presented the Air Force Commendation Medal by Lieutenant General Walter Todd on his retirement after 31 years of military service on August 31, 1960.  But this was not the first time the talented musician who had rose to lead the 604^th Air Force Band as Bandmaster. [1] As a Master Sergeant, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal at an earlier point in his career.*  The military is a cross section of society, and while few civilians would believe the value the military places on musicians, the recognition SMSgt Cedric Smith received is hard evidence against that misconception.

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