What is 10 Second War Stories?

10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

Gulf War

Paul Ray Smith

How Did Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith Save 100 Soldiers at Baghdad Airport?

Direct Answer

Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith was a U.S. Army engineer who earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 4, 2003, near Baghdad International Airport. While constructing a prisoner holding area, his unit was ambushed by a large enemy force. Smith organized a defensive line, evacuated wounded soldiers, and manned a .50-caliber machine gun under heavy fire, single-handedly holding off the enemy until he was killed, ultimately saving over 100 American lives.

Quick Facts

Full Name

Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith

Nationality

American

Service Branch

United States Army

Rank

Sergeant First Class

Unit

B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion

Regiment

11th Engineer Battalion

Battalion

11th Engineer Battalion

Division

3rd Infantry Division

Conflict

Gulf War

Battle

Battle for Baghdad International Airport · Operation Iraqi Freedom

Location

Baghdad, Iraq

Date of Event

April 4, 2003

Awards

Medal of Honor

Awards

Medal of Honor

United States

View

Who Was Paul Ray Smith?

Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith was a dedicated leader in the 11th Engineer Battalion, known for his strict adherence to standards and commitment to his soldiers. During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, his unit was tasked with securing a critical position near the Baghdad International Airport, a mission that would ultimately define his legacy as the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Iraq War.

Early Life

Born in El Paso, Texas, on September 24, 1969, Paul Ray Smith grew up in Florida. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1989, embarking on a career characterized by professionalism and a deep sense of duty to his fellow service members.

Before the Event

In early 2003, Smith deployed to Kuwait with the 3rd Infantry Division as part of the buildup for Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a platoon sergeant, he was recognized for his meticulous preparation and for holding his troops to the highest standards of combat readiness.

What Happened

On April 4, 2003, Smith and about three dozen soldiers were constructing a temporary prisoner-of-war holding area near the Baghdad airport. Suddenly, a company-sized enemy force launched a violent ambush. Recognizing that over 100 U.S. soldiers were vulnerable, Smith quickly organized a defensive perimeter using a Bradley Fighting Vehicle and armored personnel carriers.

Defining Moment

As the battle intensified, Smith braved withering enemy fire to evacuate wounded soldiers from a damaged vehicle. He then moved to an exposed position on a .50-caliber machine gun mounted on an armored personnel carrier. He fired approximately 400 rounds at the enemy, effectively suppressing their advance and allowing his unit to regroup and counterattack, though he was mortally wounded in the process.

Aftermath

The enemy force was defeated, and the airport was secured. Smith’s actions were credited with saving the lives of over 100 soldiers. On April 4, 2005, exactly two years after his death, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush.

Later Life

Because Sergeant Smith died during the battle on April 4, 2003, he did not return home. His family was presented with the Medal of Honor in his place in 2005. Today, he is remembered at schools and military bases that have been named in his honor.

Why It Matters

Paul Ray Smith’s actions represent the highest standard of selfless service. As the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Iraq War, his story serves as a testament to the courage of combat engineers and the impact a single leader can have in the most desperate circumstances.

The Story in 10 Seconds

During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith saved over 100 soldiers by single-handedly manning a machine gun during an enemy ambush at Baghdad International Airport. His heroic defense allowed his unit to regroup and defeat the attackers, earning him the first Medal of Honor of the Iraq War.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Ray Smith

1Why was Paul Ray Smith awarded the Medal of Honor?+

SFC Paul Ray Smith was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism on April 4, 2003. When his unit was ambushed by a large enemy force near Baghdad International Airport, he organized a defense, evacuated wounded soldiers, and manned a machine gun under heavy fire. His actions prevented his unit from being overrun and saved the lives of over 100 fellow soldiers.

2When did the battle that took his life occur?+

The battle occurred on April 4, 2003, during the initial invasion of Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Smith was overseeing the construction of a prisoner-of-war holding area near the Baghdad International Airport when his unit was attacked.

3Was Paul Ray Smith the first Medal of Honor recipient of the Iraq War?+

Yes, Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith was the first service member to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the Iraq War. The medal was presented posthumously to his family on April 4, 2005, exactly two years after his death.

4What unit was SFC Paul Ray Smith serving with?+

At the time of his death, Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith was serving with B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, which was attached to the 3rd Infantry Division.

5Where is Paul Ray Smith buried?+

Paul Ray Smith is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. His grave is located in Section MD, Site 67.