The first Medal of Honor since the infamous "Black Hawk Down" battle in Somalia will be awarded, perhaps in March, to Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith.
Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, who spent his boyhood in Tampa, became a man in the Army and died outside Baghdad defending his outnumbered soldiers from an Iraqi attack, will receive America's highest award for bravery.President Bush will present the Medal of Honor to Smith's wife, Birgit, and their children Jessica, 18, and David, 10, at a ceremony at the White House, possibly in March. The official announcement will come soon, but the Pentagon called Mrs. Smith with the news Tuesday afternoon.
Tip via Blackfive
As noted before, Smith gave his life to save others in a fierce gunbattle near Baghdad, killing perhaps as many as 100 Iraqi Republican Guard soldiers.
The St. Petersburg Times earlier prepared a comprehensive special report on Smith's life and heroic sacrifice.
Related:
• U.S. Army Center of Military History - Medal of Honor Citations
• PBS - American Valor