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Case & SMKW Meet MOH Recipients
Case Knives, an iconic American knife company tracing its roots back to 1889, and Smoky Mountain Knife Works (SMKW), one of the premier knife retailers in the United States, had the profound honor of hosting Medal of Honor recipients Leroy Petrie and Kyle White. The two genuine American heroes visited the Case offices and SMKW facilities in Sevierville, Tennessee to discuss their involvement with the 2022 Medal of Honor Convention in nearby Knoxville.
The Medal of Honor is the highest and most prestigious military decoration that can be awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces. It is bestowed by the President of the United States for acts of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Petrie and White have both received this extraordinary honor for their courageous actions and unflinching valor in the face of the enemy during combat operations.
During their visit, Petrie, White, and fellow Medal of Honor recipient Joe Thompson spoke at length about Case's decades-long partnership with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Case has been an avid and devoted supporter of the Society and its annual conventions for many years, regularly providing special commemorative knives as well as other distinctive gifts and mementos for the attending Medal of Honor heroes.
Army Medal of Honor
"It's really important for the medal recipients to work with companies that respect the military and love America," Thompson earnestly stated. "Certainly you've got the iconic distinction of the Congressional Medal of Honor itself, but also the involvement of an American legend like Case Knives, and it's been a tremendously great match over the years."
Petrie and White each shared the incredible and humbling stories behind the actions that led to them receiving the nation's highest honor for combat valor. In May 2008 while deployed to Afghanistan, Petrie was serving with an elite Army Ranger unit that came under intense enemy fire during a daring raid to capture a high-value target. Despite suffering grievous wounds himself when he was struck by shrapnel from an enemy grenade that severed his right hand, Petrie made the split-second decision to pick up the grenade and throw it away from his fellow soldiers, undoubtedly saving them from being seriously wounded or killed.
Petrie and White each shared the incredible and humbling stories behind the actions that led to them receiving the nation's highest honor for combat valor. In May 2008 while deployed to Afghanistan, Petrie was serving with an elite Army Ranger unit that came under intense enemy fire during a daring raid to capture a high-value target. Despite suffering grievous wounds himself when he was struck by shrapnel from an enemy grenade that severed his right hand, Petrie made the split-second decision to pick up the grenade and throw it away from his fellow soldiers, undoubtedly saving them from being seriously wounded or killed.
Both Petry and White expressed genuine excitement about the 2022 Medal of Honor Convention in Knoxville. The event gives them and other recipients a cherished chance to spend time in the local community, interacting with veterans, first responders, young people, and patriotic Americans of all ages and backgrounds. Petry said he was "excited to tell my fellow recipients this is going to be one not to miss."
Thompson spotlighted Case and SMKW's continued steadfast support of the Medal of Honor Society's mission and conventions, saying, "We can't thank you, guys, enough for everything that you do, not only for the military in general but also for the specific cause of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the values it represents.
The moving visit allowed Case, SMKW, and the heroic Medal of Honor recipients to celebrate and honor their shared ideals of duty, service, courage, and patriotism. It was an unforgettable opportunity for the companies to directly connect with and hear the inspiring life stories of these extraordinary individuals who have embodied the highest values of American valor, while further strengthening the bonds between iconic companies deeply rooted in American heritage and craft with the most elite levels of the United States Armed Forces.
*This interview was conducted in 2022*
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.