Tribute
to an American Military Hero
The President of the United States of America,
authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has
awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor
to
Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith
United States Army
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the
risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished
himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above
and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed
enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad,
Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First
Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a
prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was
violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force.
Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow
soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly
organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons
of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three
armored personnel carriers.
As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith
braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the
enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and
organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers
from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket
propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing
the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant
First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire
to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a
damaged armored personnel carrier. In total
disregard for his own life, he maintained his
exposed position in order to engage the attacking
enemy force.
During this action, he was mortally wounded. His
courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack,
and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed,
while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous
wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smiths
extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in
keeping with the highest traditions of the military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, the
Third Infantry Division Rock of the Marne, and the
United States Army.
The Army
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the Branch Seal and enjoy. Also under the Branch
Seal is another link for Army Bases.
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