The Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army is one of the most distinguished recognitions the United States Army can bestow upon a civilian. It is not requested — it is earned through a record of contribution so significant that the Army itself demands formal acknowledgment.
Dr. Leonard Holifield received this honor for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of Military Combatives throughout the United States Army — work that began at Fort Bragg and extended across four battalions, two wars, and three decades of service.
His nomination came from CSM Lesley Freeman Jr. (ret.), U.S. Army. His interview was conducted by Battalion Commander Col. Dennis R. Lewis at Fort Bragg. His commendation letter was signed by Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston on July 11, 2023.
Col. Lewis wrote to SMA Michael Grinston (Ret.) in support of Dr. Holifield's nomination for the Honorary Command Sergeant Major Award.
"I first met Sergeant Holifield in 1992 at Ft. Bragg. I was the battalion commander, and he was the battalion chemical NCO. I was quickly struck by his impeccable bearing and magnetic leadership. I then learned of his extraordinary martial arts skills and his knack for training others. So, I had him develop and execute a combatives training program for the unit that was extremely well received and instilled pride and confidence in our soldiers."
"Moreover, Sergeant Holifield demonstrated exceptional maturity and judgement well beyond his age and rank. He was also most adept at mentoring junior soldiers and ensuring mission success through unwavering commitment and professionalism."
"As a brigade commander, I asked Dr. Holifield to come back to Ft. Bragg to conduct 'train the trainer' for the four battalions of the brigade."
"Dr. Holifield is truly an American patriot whose example, leadership, and bearing both in and out of uniform, reflect great credit on US Army and make him highly deserving of this distinguished honor."
"My name is COL (Ret.) Lawrence Henry Ph.D., Special Forces, USA. I am writing this letter on behalf of Dr. Leonard Holifield, who is being nominated for the Honorary SMA Award."
"A 'True Warrior' who changed the tide of hand-to-hand combat during his military career to what Army Combatives is today. During that time, he was featured in several army publications to include Army Trainer, Soldiers Magazine, Korus Korean Magazine, Military Police Magazine, Stars and Stripes, and The Cannoneer."
"His work in the field of military combatives earned the attention of former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Colin Powell, former SMA Richard Kidd and Former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Gordon Sullivan."
"During the Gulf War, he was credited with capturing the first enemy POW during Operation Desert Storm where hand-to-hand combat tactics were used to subdue the enemy combatant."
"I highly recommend Dr. Holifield for the Honorary SMA Award for his selfless service, dedication to his soldiers and planting the seeds to what Military Combatives is today."
"I have known Leonard Holifield for over 25 years, and was honored to have him serve as my Chief of Security when I was Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court."
"As a graduate of the United States Military Academy and veteran of the Vietnam War, I am proud that Mr. Holifield served our military honorably in Korea and during Operation Desert Storm, where he was credited with the capture of the first Iraqi prisoner of war in the Gulf conflict."
"During his military service, Mr. Holifield was an instructor in hand-to-hand combat at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina and made significant contributions toward the advancement of Military Combatives throughout his military service."
"I concur with the opinion of Michael Grinston, Sergeant Major of the Army that Leonard Holifield's selfless service and dedication to leadership and military professionalism makes him a worthy candidate for recognition of his accomplishments."
"I am honored to recommend for your consideration Mr. Leonard Holifield, my friend, and a loyal patriot of our Country."
"Dr. Holifield is one of the most genuine, selfless, and giving individuals I have ever known. His elite executive protection training courses have graduated hundreds, many of whom have gone on to become successful agents or launch protection services of their own."
"One fascinating piece of trivia: the character 'Jax' from the Mortal Kombat video game was modeled after him — further proof of the cultural and inspirational imprint he has made, often without public acknowledgment."
"He is 'The Legend.' He is 'The Legacy.' Dr. Leonard Holifield has selflessly helped so many others achieve their dreams and build their legacies — now it's his turn."
"Ironically, it wasn't until decades later — while editing a tribute video for Dr. Holifield — that I discovered from a U.S. Senator's testimonial that he was the very man responsible for that historic capture. I was stunned, yet not surprised. That level of humility is simply who Dr. Holifield is."
The official letter from the office of the Sergeant Major of the Army — the highest-ranking enlisted soldier in the United States Army.
"I want to thank you for the outstanding and unyielding support you have provided to the United States Army and our Soldiers with your contributions in the field of Army Combatives and as Chief Combatives Instructor."
"Your professionalism, selfless service, and dedication marks you as a true leader and reflects the ultimate military professionalism. Thank you for your exceptional service for so many years and best of luck in your future."
"Once again, thank you for all that you have done for our Army and our great Nation. Be All You Can Be!"
Signed: Michael A. Grinston, Sergeant Major of the Army
"For Leonard Holifield, 32, of Diamond Bar, capturing one of the first Iraqi prisoners of Operation Desert Storm was perhaps not as important as how he captured him."
"It was early morning of Feb. 12, nearly one month after the air war began, but not yet at the beginning of the ground war."
"Taking a pair of night vision goggles, Holifield crept out of the tent to subdue the Iraqi."
"Though nursing a broken wrist, the seventh degree black belt in Silkstress — an eclectic Filipino martial art — rushed the Iraqi, threw him to the ground in one swift judo-like motion and turned him onto his stomach."
"'I felt confident in my abilities,' he said. 'The skill to kill must be matched by the will to kill.'"
— News outlet reporting · Associated Press · CNN · World News
The Honorary Sergeant Major of the Army Award reflects a standard the U.S. Army formally recognized. The same standard Dr. Holifield brings to every Phalanx course.