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| Iraq-Jordan |
| The Last Full Measure of Devotion |
| 2005-02-02 |
The word "hero" is tossed around so casually these days that it has almost lost its meaning. Then comes the story of Army Sgt. Paul Smith, who reminds us what a real hero is. The 33-year-old soldier from Tampa was killed April 4 after valiantly fending off an Iraqi assault on his command post. Sgt. Smith was featured on my blog on April 22, 2003. He is one of the American Heroes whose stories I have collected. His family has been notified that President George Bush will award him, posthumously, the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery, truly above and beyond the call of duty. The story of Paul Smith should send chills down your spine. In the face of overwhelming odds, at the cost of his own life, he made a stand that saved his outgunned and outnumbered unit from certain annihilation. In a battle that should be recounted in every Basic Training class from now until the sun dies of old age, Sgt. Smith fought the enemy, exposed to their fire, and killed dozens. Surprised by an attack in an area thought to be clear, he took charge, reacted, and held the line. His stand was effective. The remaining enemy, their numbers cut nearly in half, fled the battle. Sgt. Smith was found, mortally wounded, with the enemy dead piled in front of him. Birgit Smith, his wife: "Paul is not forgotten," she said. "He's part of history now. It makes me feel proud, so honored that I was allowed to be part of Paul's life. Even today he's probably laughing at all of us, saying "You're making way too big a deal out of me.' |
| Posted by:Chuck Simmins |
| #2 Thank you Sgt Smith from myself my Department and my wife and 4 children. You went off and valiantly defended us and we can't praise and thank you enough. |
| Posted by: Rightwing 2005-02-02 11:24:26 AM |
| #1 Thanks. Thanks for Sgt. Smith and his sacrifice. Thanks for honoring him by sharing this. Many God stand by his family. |
| Posted by: Mrs. Davis 2005-02-02 10:15:36 AM |