ROTC Steel Battalion Awards

Lafayette students honored at the 2023 ROTC Steel Battalion Awards (from left to right): Raymond Kerrison ‘26, Brandon Leibensperger ‘24, Daniela Spera ‘26, John Freeman ‘26, Samantha Becker ‘25, Lafayette Executive Vice President for Finance and Business Administration Audra Kahr.

Six Lafayette students, including three members of the Class of 2026, were honored at the 2023 ROTC Steel Battalion awards ceremony held Thurs., March 9 at Lehigh University. 

The award winners were:

Military Order of Foreign Wars: Brandon Leibensperger ’24

Sons of the American Revolution Award: Daniela Spera ’26

Lafayette College Leopard Award: John Freeman ’26

American Legion Award for General Military Excellence: Samantha Becker ’25

National Sojourners Award: Zachary Gill ’24

Of note, the Lafayette College Leopard Award dates back to the 1920s and is the only Lafayette-specific medal presented at the Steel Battalion Awards. In past times, the Leopard Award was known as the Sheriff’s Badge and was presented to a cadet in each Military Science year.