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 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.
The soldier stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining, Just as brightly as his brass
"Step foward now you soldier, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek, And to my church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns, Can't always be saints
"I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough
And sometimes I've been violent, Because the streets were awfully rough"
But I never took a penny, That was'nt mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills just got to steep,
And I never passed a cry for help Although, at times I shook with fear
And sometimes, God forgive I've wept unmanly tears
I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here
That never wanted me around Except to calm there fears
If you have a place for me here O' Lord It needn't be so grand
I've never expected, or had so much But if you don't I'll understand"
There was a silence all around the throne Where the Saints had often trod
As this soldier waited quietly For the judgment from his God
"Step foward now you soldier, You've borne your burdens well
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in Hell"