Quote:

First Iraq Medal of Honor Recipient Honored at Arlington Written by American Forces Press Service Thursday April 7, 2005 Page: | 1 | By Terri Lukach American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, April 6, 2005 – At the foot of a hill crowned by trees and dappled by bright sunlight, the family of a certified hero unveiled a gold-lettered memorial headstone April 5 in Arlington National Cemetery. A soldier stands watch at the Arlington National Cemetery site of a memorial headstone for Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal of Honor recipient Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith. Smith’s widow and children unveiled the headstone in an April 5 ceremony. Photo by Terri Lukach The day before, the young widow and her two children accepted the hero’s Medal of Honor from the president. Just before they came to the cemetery, they’d seen him enshrined in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes. Now, the family of Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith -- his widow, Birgit, and their two children, Jessica and David -- unveiled his memorial stone before a small company of family and friends. Smith was killed in a firefight with Saddam Hussein’s forces at Baghdad International Airport on April 4, 2003, while saving the lives of more than 100 fellow soldiers. His Medal of Honor – the nation’s highest award for valor in combat -- is the first awarded for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terror. Soldiers from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, who were part of the mission in which Smith gave his life, also were present at the ceremony. Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston called Smith’s memorial an important reminder to soldiers past and present and to the more than 4 million people who visit Arlington each year that “freedom is not free.” He also called Smith a dedicated soldier who “solidified the very core of our Army.” “On that day, 100 American soldiers witnessed and learned leadership of extraordinary proportions -- leadership that changed and influenced their lives forever,” Preston said. “Those 100 men will in turn lead hundreds of soldiers, who will benefit from the leadership gained from serving with Sergeant 1st Class Smith. That process will continue to be shared across the entire Army from one unit to another.” Preston said that with the permanent memorial at Arlington, Smith has “become a part of the history of our country.” “For as long as our flag stands,” he said, “these 200 hundred acres of sacred ground will cradle our heroes and the memory of Paul’s commitment.” The memorial erected for Smith is one of only six such markers scattered throughout Arlington. Below the hilltop on which the ceremony took place, a sloping sea of weathered white headstones falls away as far as the eye can see. As the group was gathered, the haunting sound of “Taps” could be heard rising up from another service far below. Following Preston’s remarks, Birgit, Jessica and David Smith approached the memorial draped in blue fabric. As the shroud was removed, Smith’s widow knelt, caressed the stone, and wiped away a tear as she kissed the marker. A lone bugler sounded “Taps,” this time for Smith, after Birgit placed a red, white and blue wreath at the site.

Hooah!

Does anyone have a detailed recount of the firefight story?

I would be interested in HOW he saved the fellow 100 soldiers.

**RIP Big Sarge**

You make us proud to have had your presence in leadership & service.

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.


Info Available on www.army.mil

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/..._Ray_Smith

Here you can find more info and links.

RIP!

Wow...it took a couple of years, but you got your info....LOL

Wow!

Thats something else. Totally in awe. RIP Big Sarge... & Thank you for your Service.

Thanks for busting my balls Pana.

Some people are just slow...

Like me buddy!