SFC Paul R Smith

[(1VB)compforce]

from http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/smith/index.html

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 Smith’s 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.

[Spinner]

“Paul Ray had an incredible love for the troops under his command. One Christmas, the wife of a Soldier in Paul Ray’s platoon had just had surgery and the Soldier and his wife were unable to provide a Christmas for their family. So, Paul Ray collected food from the company Christmas party, and he and Birgit bought presents for the children, and they took them to the Soldier’s home.” Paul Ray’s family never heard of this until recounted to them by friends after his death. “Another…..very descriptive event that showed Paul Ray’s concern for his men involves another Soldier whose baby daughter was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital with a serious illness. Paul Ray would drive an hour out of town every night to give his support to this Soldier and his wife.”

God bless him. I met and served with a few NCOs just like this, who went that extra mile for the troops. There is definitely more to this job than meets the eye.

[Ergogirl]

Just got back from Orlando where I went on a tour of the Army's RDECOM Simulation & Training Technology Center. They recently renamed it the Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith Simulation and Training Technology Center and made a point of letting us spend a few moments near the memorial outside as well as view the replica of the MOH hanging in the conference room.

It was very moving, especially the engraved bricks along the walkway with special messages from family members.

As I understand it, they had decided to name the Center after him before he was nominated for the Medal of Honor. Truly an outstanding individual.

[Culvermilitary06]

We had his brigade commander come and speak at our school for vetran's day (he was a graduate). It was before the offical award was given and he an extremely moving speech about both SFC Smith and the war effort. Hell of a man SFC Smith was, and I'm honored that Americans like him exist.

Mac

[CV]

Outstanding NCO and an example that all of us should look up to. It is a truely moving and compelling story of his bravery.

[John Clark]

Nice article about SFC Paul Smith in this month's Men's Journal. Also in the article, a look at the ineffable characteristic that all great soldiers share: courage.

Additionally, a tribute to SFC Smith.
http://www.ehowa.com/mythoughts/paulsmith.shtml

[djmonkeyboy]

The AGP team did a reinactment style movie some may appreciate to understand the battle field better. We wish we had more time to polish but was done with a tight timeline for the AUSA show.

QUICKTIME:
http://www.army.mil/calltoduty/resources/battle.htm

Not sure why they haven't made it a presentable web page yet.

[AirborneJoe324]

The video explains his heroic act very well, and shows truly what a remarkable man he was. Rest in peace SFC Smith.