SFC Paul R. Smith will be the first member of the armed forces to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor from Operation Iraqi Freedom. According to the official citation, the CMOH is, "the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States." Sadly, the award will be presented posthumously to his family - SFC Smith was killed on April 4, 2003 defending his unit's position against insurgents. The following articles provide an in depth profile of this soldier and his heroic actions.
It takes a special soldier to receive such a special award. Obviously SFC Smith was that type of soldier. We thank him and his family for their sacrifice. God be with you all.
My son was in SFC Smith's unit in Iraq. This is one of the most deserving individuals I have ever seen. By his actions, SFC Smith saved countless number of troops. It reinterates the fact that soldiers don't die for their country, they die for their fellow soldiers. My condolences to his family for their loss.
I am deeply saddened by our losses in this war, and in all the wars our brave soldiers have fought and died in. These are the most exceptional soldiers in the world, the United States should be so proud, and honor our troops each day and everyday. Peacetime or War, we must never forget their sacrifices and their dedication. I plan on making a very special tribute for this soldier, he is a symbol for all the soldiers that bravery is unfounded and it is always worth the risk to save others. I feel deeply moved by his story and want him to be remembered always, as all of our brave troops!
I never met SFC SMITH but i did get to know his father who is one of my Vietnam heroes.I wish him all my best and look forward to talking with him again when i am in town next.I have talked with soldiers who before missions talk of Paul and his actions to get pumped up before leaving the wire.Thank you for what you have done for our country you will never be forgotten
Comments For "SFC Paul R. Smith":
It takes a special soldier to receive such a special award. Obviously SFC Smith was that type of soldier. We thank him and his family for their sacrifice. God be with you all.
Posted by: Debbie | February 2, 2005 9:12 PM
I agree Debbie. Its been since Somalia that a soldier has received the MOH.
Congratulations to the Smith family. You must be so proud and I am sorry for your loss.
Posted by: medic | February 3, 2005 11:56 AM
My son was in SFC Smith's unit in Iraq. This is one of the most deserving individuals I have ever seen. By his actions, SFC Smith saved countless number of troops. It reinterates the fact that soldiers don't die for their country, they die for their fellow soldiers. My condolences to his family for their loss.
Posted by: Don | February 9, 2005 8:17 PM
I am deeply saddened by our losses in this war, and in all the wars our brave soldiers have fought and died in. These are the most exceptional soldiers in the world, the United States should be so proud, and honor our troops each day and everyday. Peacetime or War, we must never forget their sacrifices and their dedication. I plan on making a very special tribute for this soldier, he is a symbol for all the soldiers that bravery is unfounded and it is always worth the risk to save others. I feel deeply moved by his story and want him to be remembered always, as all of our brave troops!
Sincerely,
Ryan Kinsella-Harmon
Posted by: Ryan Kinsella-Harmon | April 7, 2005 1:46 AM
I never met SFC SMITH but i did get to know his father who is one of my Vietnam heroes.I wish him all my best and look forward to talking with him again when i am in town next.I have talked with soldiers who before missions talk of Paul and his actions to get pumped up before leaving the wire.Thank you for what you have done for our country you will never be forgotten
Posted by: sfc och | December 3, 2008 10:39 PM