[MNJohnnie]

Rush Ping. In Honor of:

*Paul R.Smith. Medal of Honor Winner. Iraq.

Rank and Organization: Sergeant First Class, 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.

Rest in peace Brave Soul. Thank you for your sacrifice.

[luvie]

REST IN PEACE
SGT. 1ST CLASS PAUL R. SMITH
U.S.ARMY
MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER
YOU ARE MY HERO

[jan in Colorado]

Thank you Johnnie for posting that beautiful tribute to Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith.

I pray that none of us ever take our Freedom for granted.

God Bless our troops and our President!

[Mr Cobol]

Thanks for ping and tribute.

Waiting for Rush and trying to avoid the book sellers this morning.

[sofaman]

I read this and it brings tears to my eyes. The bravery and sacrifice of heroes like Sgt Paul Smith, makes the politicizing of the WOT even more grotesque.

Rest in peace, Sgt Smith. God Bless you and your family.

[NeoCaveman]

Wow thanks for the tribute and the ping.

Pregame music has begun. "I'm in trouble" I hope he isn't still thinking about MoDo.

[Springman]

Rush just had a caller from Southgate Mi. She wants to trade Rush Governor's, sounds good to me 'cause I'm in the same boat as her hubby.

Finding a job is a pain in the rear.

[Matchett-PI]

bttt

[angcat]

:>(

[SE Mom]

Godspeed, Soldier.

We will remember your sacrifice.

[rightinthemiddle]

Thanks, my North Woods friend.