First Marine in Baghdad - Former Stars Fighter Awarded Bronze Star for Heroism in Combat

In the late 1990's, then sergeant Jerry Roeder was assigned to a Marine Corps officer training program at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Not content to only improve academically, he also sought to improve that most basic of military skills, hand to hand combat. During this time, Jerry joined the Pancrase USA - Stars Training Center where he quickly became a top instructor in our mixed martial arts training program. Jerry taught, fought and sparred with many of world's best professional fighters including King of Pancrase Nate Marquardt, K-1 and UFC champ Duane Ludwig, Pride veteran Larry Parker and his good friend Ron "H20Man" Waterman. During one of his infamous sparring sessions, Jerry received a almost certain career ending knee injury, or so we thought. Somehow, through will of mind, Jerry made a miraculous recovery and went on to receive his commission as a 2nd lieutenant.

All to soon, Jerry's time with us in Colorado was over. He went on to other military schools and was eventually

assigned to a Marine Combat Engineer platoon at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Jerry continued his martial arts training and even found time to establish his own club and team.

In 2003, world events led to the war with Iraq. Jerry's Marine Corps unit was deployed as the lead element in the coalition forces drive to take Baghdad. The rest is history.

On Friday, 1st Lieutenant Jerry Roeder was honored in a special ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Jerry was awarded one of the nation's highest awards for heroism in combat, the Bronze Star with "V" device for valor. Congratulations Jerry! We salute you.