SMITH, PAUL R.
 |
Sergeant First Class Smith received a total of twenty-two military decorations and badges over the course of his career. His last medal he earned by manning a .50 cal machine gun in an open position so wounded US troops would be protected. SFC Smith took 13 enemy rounds to the body before a 14th round killed him. He now rests in Arlington National Cemetery. Please take a moment to read the citation of a hero.
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Organization: U.S. Army
Departed: Yes 04/04/2003
Entered Service At: October 1989
Date of Issue: 04/05/2005
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.
Thanks to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for this citation and to Mr. Paul Smith for his bravery.
