June 7, 1976 -gains distinction at naval academy

The Saint Louis Post Dispatch writes on June 7, 1976 the following....

Jordan B. Smith, Jr of Saint Louis Missouri is the first black midshipmen to have commanded a Color Company in the 131 year history of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.  Smith who graduated Wednesday as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps was commander of the Seventeenth Company.  The company was selected this year's Color Company by amassing more points in competition in sports, academics, professional and extra-curricular activities than any of the other 36 companies in the graduating class.  
​
"It was something which I have been working on since my plebe year, " Smith said.  His company climbed from twelfth to first place to win the honor.  Smith is 22 years old and the son of Jordan B. Smith Sr., who lives at 1554 Veronica Avenue in north Saint Louis.  He graduated from Christian Brothers College in 1972.  A younger brother Kenric also attends the college.