 | President George W. Bush presents the Medal of Honor (posthumous) to Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith's family—(from left) daughter Jessica, 18; wife, Birgit; and son David, 11—at the White House. Sgt. Smith, a combat engineer, was killed defending his soldiers on April 4, 2003, in the Battle for the Baghdad Airport. Smith commandeered a .50 caliber machine gun and engaged the enemy force, continuing to fire until the enemy attack was repelled and he was mortally wounded. Smith is the first to receive the military's highest award for actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. David's mother Birgit Smith accompanied him to the ceremony. Photo by Staff Sgt. Reeba Critser and courtesy of U.S. Army |
