First Medal of Honor, Operation Iraqi Freedom

Update 04/04/05 Remarks by the President in Medal of Honor Ceremony for Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith FULL STREAMING VIDEO President's Remarks, FULL TEXT Medal of Honor Ceremony for Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith

First Medal of Honor to be awarded in Operation Iraqi Freedom

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 30, 2005) -- The White House announced March 29 that President George W. Bush will honor Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith by presenting his family the Medal of Honor on April 4, the second anniversary of his courageous actions during the Battle of Baghdad Airport.

Smith is the first to receive the military’s highest award for actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In action near the Baghdad Airport on April 4, 2003, Smith, a Soldier in Company B, 11th Engineer Battalion, working with units of the 3rd Infantry Division, was tasked to build a compound to hold enemy prisoners, when his small force came under attack by more than 100 enemies.

Smith threw two grenades and fired rocket launchers at the enemy before manning a .50-caliber machine gun on an M-113 Armored Personnel Carrier to protect his troops. While engaging an enemy attacking from three sides, Smith fired more than 300 rounds from the machinegun before being killed.

He prevented the enemy from overtaking his unit’s position, protected his Task Force’s flank, and defended the lives of more than 100 Soldiers, according to his award citation.

Smith was serving as a platoon sergeant in Bravo Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, Task Force 2-7, 3rd Infantry Division. He had been serving in the Army since October 1989.

For more information about Smith, including detailed accounts of his action, see other stories on the Army News Service Web site at army.mil/ocpa/news/or visit the special tribute Web site at army.mil/medalofhonor/