Command Sergeant Major Michael Almasy, a graduate of East Canton High School, who is now living in Seal Beach, Calif., recently received the Order of Saint Maurice Award-Primiceruis Level.
Almasy received the highest of five levels for the honor, which was given by the National Infantry Association. It was presented at a ceremony held at Camp Bondsteel, in Kosovo.
A member of the United States Army and Army National Guard for more than 23 years, CSM Almasy was nominated for the award by the NIA for his overall service and contribution to the infantry. His nomination went before the panel, and the award was upgraded to Primicerius.
Almasy has been a Ranger, Master Jumpmaster and Pathfinder and more for the Army National Guard. He has served in Operation Just Cause, serving in Panama, Desert Shield, Iraq, Kosovo, as well as other missions.
The honor is bestowed on those who "have served the Infantry community with distinction; must have demonstrated a significant contribution in support of the Infantry; and must represent the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence and dedication to duty. Primicerius level is "for those who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the entire Infantry."
The award was made even more special to Almasy when he was presented it by Medal Of Honor recipients-- Col. Robert Howard and CSM (Ret) Gary L. Litterell. Michael had spent time with Col. Howard and speaks highly of him, as well as CSM (Ret) Litterell. CSM Almasy said he was humbled to be the last to receive this prestigious award from Col. Howard, who died just a few months after this honor was presented. Col. Howard, according to information on a Web site, was one of America's most decorated soldiers. He served five tours in Vietnam and is the only soldier in the nation's history to be nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor three times for three separate actions within a 13 month period.
CSM Almasy, who also serves as a motorcycle police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department, is married to Amalia, and they are the parents of Amelia and Ashlynn. He is the son of Jack and Kathy Almasy, who live in the Wooster, Ohio area.
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