One way to pay tribute this Memorial Day is to spend time reading the stories of heroism in the Fallen in Service Medal of Honor Recipients, a list maintained by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. These are individuals who gave their lives in service and were awarded the nation’s highest military honor.

Here’s one: Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith

On April 4, 2003, during the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, SFC Smith and his unit were tasked with securing a strategic location near Baghdad International Airport. When his group was suddenly attacked by a company-sized enemy force, Smith recognized the gravity of the threat. Outnumbered and under heavy fire, he organized the defense, directed his men, and personally manned a .50 caliber machine gun atop a damaged armored vehicle.

Despite being fully exposed to enemy fire, he held his ground, providing suppressive fire that allowed his soldiers to regroup and wounded comrades to be evacuated. His actions saved over 100 lives. In doing so, SFC Smith was mortally wounded.

He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2005, the first American soldier to receive the honor in the Global War on Terror. He lived—and died—by a code of duty and sacrifice.

This Memorial Day, may we each take time to remember the Paul Ray Smiths of the world. Let us say their names, read their stories, and live our lives in a way that honors their sacrifice. 

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Fallen in Service Medal of Honor Recipients