[December 6, 2016] The most widely accepted definition of hero refers to a person noted for courageous acts or nobility of character. It also refers to a person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal. So it is with U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Paul Smith; our hero of the day.
On April 4, 2003 at the beginning of the war with Iraq, Smith was constructing a detainee holding area west of Baghdad when his small unit came under attack by a much larger force. Smith braved hand grenades and anti-tank weapons to move to a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored vehicle. The official record states that Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man the machine gun in disregard for his own life and helped defeat the enemy. In the engagement he was mortally wounded.
As my military unit prepared to deploy to Iraq, we closely studied SFC Smith and his actions under fire and his military record of exemplary service. Smith was an Army Engineer and we were the incoming engineer unit falling in to relaxe his in Baghdad. We discussed not just his extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor but also his honorable service up to that point. You see, Smith did what any good soldier would do when under fire from the enemy; he fiercely attacked the enemy.
Most people are under the impression that bravery in combat or moral courage are traits that cannot be predicted. While that has some basis in truth, what we know is that those who display good character as a leader of others are more likely to place themselves in their defense when necessary regardless of the threats to their own personal safety or careers. To such men and women who do this, they have my highest respect.
In today’s Army Engineer manuals and in Army writings on leadership, SFC Paul Smith is often mentioned as the epitome of a great soldier and leader. He did the right thing in protecting those soldiers under his care and lived an honorable life. Smith’s actions resulted in as many as 50 enemy killed while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. For his actions in battle, Smith was posthumously awarded the nation’s highest award; the Medal of Honor.
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