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Iraqi War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith, US Army
Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith Medal of Honor Citation
President George W. Bush looks toward Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith's family, at a Medal of Honor ceremony held in Smith's honor at the White House on April 4, 2005. Paul Smith is the first official hero from the Iraq war to be presented the nation's highest recognition for bravery in combat. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Reeba Critser
President George W. Bush waits as the citation is read for Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith's Medal of Honor before awarding it to Smith's 11-year-old son, David at the White House on April 4, 2005. Smith is the first official hero from the Iraq war to be presented the nation's highest recognition for bravery in combat. David's mother Birgit and stepsister Jessica also took part in the ceremony. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Reeba Critser
President Bush Presents Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith
CITATION:
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.
Past Medal of Honor recipients John Baker , Al Rascon , Bernard Fisher , Barney Barnum and Brian Thacker attend a Medal of Honor ceremony in honor of the late Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith at the White House on April 4, 2005 . U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Reeba Critser
Arlington Cemetery marker memorializes Medal of Honor Recipient
Return to Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith Medal of Honor Homepage
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