Too many times, we concentrate on the negative news regarding the War on Terrorism and forget about brave Americans who fought and died in courageous battles. I would like to take this opportunity to spotlight the first Medal of Honor recipient in the Iraq war.
Sergent First Class Paul R. Smith, United States Army.
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 on April 4, 2003. Smith and his unit were constructing a prisoner of war holding facility when they were violently attacked by a company sized enemy force. Smith quickly organized a defense with two platoons of soldiers, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and several armored personnel carriers.
During the contact, Smith braved hostile enemy fire and engaged the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons to facilitate the rescue of three wounded soldiers. About to be overrun, Smith mounted a destroyed personnel carrier and manned a .50 caliber machine gun. Under withering enemy fire, Smith continued to engage the enemy, killing at least 50 enemy combatants. Smith's heroic actions in engaging the enemy allowed his fellow soldiers to withdrawl and helped defeat the enemy attack. Smith was dangerously exposed during his actions and was mortally wounded.
Smith's actions helped defeat the enemy attack and saved the lives of his fellow countrymen, nearly 100 US soldiers. Smith is survived by his wife, 18 year old daughter and 11 year old son. Smith is the essence of everything our American soldier stands for. He displayed fortitude and courage in facing a relentless and vicious enemy and sacrificed his life so that his fellow soldiers could live. Smith is a true American warrior and hero.
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