Then learning that he was receiving this highest honor for extraordinary valor and heroism above and beyond the call of duty for what he did on April 4, 2003 . . . opened an emotional floodgate, again.

See, my youngest son was serving with the Marines in Iraq at the same time and had a close call (read my poem, “Brave Young”).

David G. Bancroft

And if you are familiar with my poem, Our Troops In Iraq and the slightlydifferent version, Our Sons In Iraq . . . you should have an idea of the emotions involved.

In fact, Our Sons In Iraq, is the original version and was written early in April 2003 with my son very much on my mind.  (I think every parent and other loved ones of those in harm's way would concur.) 

So, this father of one who served in Iraq has a special feeling towards the late SFC Paul Smith.  This great American hero is a shining symbol for what my son and all the troops have done and are still doing.

His generation should be really proud of him too!

Now, read the first five words again... “give all that I am”.

Talk about saying it all here!  They define how SFC Paul Ray Smith lived and died for this country that he dearly loved.  The same could be said in how he led his fellow troops and being a devoted husband and father. 

(I believe SFC Smith would nod in agreement from above that these five words describe many of his fellow troops, as well.) 

Moreover, I urge you to read about Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith's heroic actions on April 3, 2003 . . . and my poem, Give All That I Am, while keeping in mind that his eleven-year-old son, David, was the one who accepted the Medal of Honor from President Bush.

The grandfather in me shed a tear when seeing David proudly standing with the medal in his hands next to President Bush.

David G. Bancroft
Founder / Owner
USA Patriotism!
Copyright 2005

DoD photo by Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen, US Air Force.