Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith
Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith
Obituary
Guest Book
Paul R. Smith Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
A Grateful American
June 9, 2023
Please accept my condolences on your loss of a loving husband, father, and friend.
May you receive strength, comfort, and courage for each day you are without Sgt. Smith.
His sacrifice is not forgotten!
Charlie Gili
March 22, 2020
Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we have made a small donation to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to honor and remember Paul R. Smith US Army Sergeant 1st Class. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals across the American youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Mike Roberts
June 13, 2014
email me anytime my brother dirtmanmike
An old school I ran into while in Danang for R&R
Mike Roberts
June 9, 2014
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Mike Roberts
June 9, 2014
Very good to meet and hear from you brother in arms! dirtmanmike!
Mike Roberts
June 9, 2014
Hello Paul and great hearing from you! Any time you would like to keep up with the happening's here in the Good Ole U.S.A., you e-mail me any time,day or what ever for we care about our past,current, and present veterans! I was a certified Naval Communication Officer in 1967 & 1968 Vietnam Veteran! Attached to an Army Ranger unit! I really learned a lot about tatics from the U.S. Army Ranger unit!!! Again , it is absolutly great to hear from you my Brother. We were the guys that spread the word , condition red,yellow, or green! And you could put it in the bank!the United states civilians heard nothing about these code's and colors untill Sept.9/2011
Peggy Childers
April 17, 2013
April 4, 2013
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith:
Always remembering Paul. "Some gave all."
Lorrie Linn Odell
January 8, 2013
Janice, many blessings to you. Ten years. Oh, my. Wish we could turn back time. God bless you. ?
Janice Pvirre
January 6, 2013
I am the mother of Paul, and I want to thank all of you for the love and understanding for what my Paul did for your freedom.It has been ten years and some days it seems as though it was only yesterday that we lost him. He loved this country and you. Thank you for living a good life, that is what he wants for you.
angela deaton
April 24, 2011
how you doing today. i am pray for you and friend, friend,angel deaton . [email protected]
Eric Smith
April 8, 2011
To my cousin and hero. I'm sad of the years we have lost together here on earth. I'm looking forward to seeing you again in heaven, watch some football and have a beer with you. Eric Smith
Ginger Mankowski
April 4, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith:
Please accept our remembrance of Paul on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Ginger Mankowski/Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Servando Alcocer
March 24, 2011
Brave man, true American Hero. I pray God comforts Sgt. Smiths family.
evelyn permenter
November 11, 2010
paul you been gone for a long time but never forgotten you are a hero never did meet you but you married my sister you allways be in our heart.s love evelyn
Peggy Childers
April 4, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith:
Remembering Paul on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna
March 27, 2010
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,100 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that everyone here at Project Compassion does and will always CARE.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
[email protected]
American Hero Tribute Banner unveiling Oceanside, California 2006
Lorrie Linn Odell
May 25, 2009
To the Family of SFC Paul Smith,
We honor Paul today and thank him for his courage, strength, selflessness and leadership. You are never alone. We will never forget.
Love from John and Lorrie Linn Odell
From the frontlines of the Homefront, we are with you in spirit.
Pat Shoukry
May 25, 2009
Thank you Paul for defending my Freedoms. It is because of great American patriots such as you that Americans continue to board airplanes with confidence and the people of this city can live without fear.
You will always be remembered with love and great pride by the grateful nation you served to protect.
Rest in peace.
Pat Shoukry - NYC (6 miles from "Ground Zero")
May 24, 2009
To let your family know, you are not forgotten this Memorial day
Terry Johnston
May 22, 2009
Sfc Smith was my platoon seargant before I left the military in 2002. He was a good man and a great soldier. His leadership and attention to detail was a credit to his country. I will always remember him.
Shay Fernandez
April 10, 2009
To the family of SFC Smith.
The sacrifice he did for his soldiers is the work of a true gardian angel. Now he has his wings. My condolences to the family. May you rest in peace and thank you.
Peggy Childers
April 4, 2009
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith:
Paul gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Alan Williams
December 23, 2008
As I have sat a pondered the the current season and the countless blessings that I and my family have been the recipents of my thoughts come to the FINE SLODIERS, SAILORS, MARINES and AIRMAN (COAST GUARD ALSO). I am taken a back by SGT1stClass Paul Ray Smith on 4 April 2005 he lived the Soldiers ETHOS and that of a LEADER who loved his men, his country and his family; not in that order maybe but, I will bet equally! What a WARRIOR! What a MAN! What a LEADER! He must have been I only wish that I could have known him. I can say that I know known him would have made an impact in my life.
It is because of SGT1stClass Smith's ability, leadership, friendship and LOVE of LIFE I believe that he understood that he had a DUTY and that he had "STANDING ODRERS" to take care of his TROOPS! Shortly after his story made the wires I purchased a black braclet with his name and infomation on it. I wear it to this day and many people ask about it and what I could know about him. I tell them that this is a man who was a WARRIOR, HUSBAND, FATHER, SON, SOLIDER and a LOVER of his FAMILY, MEN and HIS COUNTRY. I also explain that he is a Medal of Honor Recipient and has a Training Center and a Ship named after him. I tell them that more of us here at home who are not in the military need to always have in our mind that men/women are out their doing their duty with HONOR and that they have FAMILIES at HOME who are without them and we need to always have a prayer in our hearts for them. That as the day's and year's keep going by their are more than 4,000 WARRIORS serving their country who have paid the ulitmate price for countless reasons and that we need to not FORGET them or their families EVER.
Everyday I look at that braclet and say Thank You and say that you have not been forgotten.... I wanted to let his family know that I am not the only one, that my family is not the only ones who know of this GREAT MAN and what he did but, that he had a family who misses him more than we can ever know. I am SORRY for your LOSS and the emptyiness that this brings you. I hope that knowing that their are others in AMERICAN that LOVE him and pray for you and all his family and friends. Please know that this is not about saying look at me but, I want you to know we are mindfull of him and you. Durring this Christmas Season our PRAYERS and THOUGHTS are on you and his BROTHERS STILL IN BATTLE.
Thank you SGT !st Class Paul Ray Smith and You Will Not Be Forgotten!
Joseph Dombrowski
November 19, 2008
What Sgt. Paul Smith did in the midst of chaos and terror is beyond words. If he had lived through the battle he would have said he did nothing extraordinary, he only did what had to be done. When I see the American flag the red reminds me of the servicemen and women who have given their lives for us and the country. The U.S.A. has lost another exemplary citizen. I'm sorry for your and OUR loss.
Gary
November 5, 2008
A true American hero.God bless Paul and his familly.
Lynda Miness
June 21, 2008
To the family: I didn't know Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, but ALL of our soldiers are my family. I am glad that Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith was there for me and my family and he will always be my one of my HEROS. My daughter went to school with your daughter and when my daughter told me about your father passing, it broke my heart. Remember the good times and the bad times, but always remember God will be there with you all. Take care and may God bless and keep you all in HIS loving arms.
The Neal family
April 21, 2008
To the Smith family,
Please know that just as your loved one will forever remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
Betty Frye
April 5, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family.May God comfort you in this time of indescribable pain and grief. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
~*Home*~
Debra Estep
April 4, 2008
To the family and friends of Paul.
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Paul, but he is my hero. If you would like
a copy of the drawing I posted here, please contact me
and I will email that to you.
xo xo
Deb
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
www.remembering-the-fallen.blogspot.com
SSgt (Ret) Paul G. Smith
March 12, 2008
You will be honored and remebered for your deeds by those who love, care and respect you. I salute your bravery and grieve for your loss. You are in a far better place my brother.
NEIL SAVAGE
December 20, 2007
BLUE BABE, MY BROTHER
November 14, 2007
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt 1st Class Smith!
Patsy Jo Reed Sircy
August 15, 2007
Sincere sympathy and love, Pat - R.N.
August 3, 2007
If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised Le Ron A. Wilson (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 5, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt 1st Class Smith and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Robert Winegrad
July 2, 2007
You are gone, but never forgotton. I served with SFC Smith briefly, and he was a consumate professional soldier and a true inspiration to all who serve. Sledgehammers!
Theresa Billotti
May 31, 2007
I am the granddaughter, daughter, sister, and now mother of a combat veteran. I worked at an US Naval hospital during the Vietnam era and witnessed first hand the horrific after-effects of war.The definition of the word, "Hero", pales in comparison when you read the story of the selfless, courageous deed of Sgt. Paul R. Smith. The lives of the soldiers he saved, their children and their yet to be born descendents, will ever be intertwined with this heroic man. Sgt. Smith made the supreme sacrifice that others may live. I hope his family has found peace. There has been a middle school just opened up locally this past year in his honor and hopefully, when this war is finally over, future generations will remember and understand the full measure of his sacrifice.
Garnet Jenkins
April 3, 2007
In Remembrance of this Fine Young Soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, who gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
A multitude of Thanks to Paul and his family, for his Courage, Dedication and Service.
There will Never Be Enough Ways, to Humbly Thank these Heroes, for their Supreme Sacrifices, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"For we know that if our earthly house,
this tent, is destroyed,
we have a building from God,
a house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens."
2 Corinthians 5:1
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have of Paul, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Remembers his sacrifice.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
AW1(AW/NAC) Chris Webb
November 20, 2006
I met Paul many years ago. For a time I helped raise his niece Angel and was friends with his brother. I joined the Navy as he joined the Army to help fight the first Gulf War. My heartfelt condolances go out to his wife and children, his brother Tony and all the rest of his family. I will continue to serve in his honor now that he no longer can.
Chris Webb
(Jonathon)
PV2 Adam Ard
July 11, 2006
Dear Family of SFC Smith,
I did not know SFC Smith personally but would like to say that as a combat engineer my self, SFC Smith is our hero. His Medal of Honor poster hangs on my wall as a daily reminder of the sacrifice and service he gave to our country and the Corps of Engineers. I am honored to be a part of that service that SFC Smith paid the ultimate sacrifice for. We Salute you! ESSAYONS.
May you fly high with the angels.
Merrilee Dill
July 5, 2006
I had just read an article about SFC Smith and his Medal of Honor and wanted to sign his guest book to express my gratitude for his heroism and dedication to his fellow troops. I was surprised when I saw he was killed exactly two years to the day before my beloved brother, and my hero SSG Christopher Dill. April 4th will forever be the saddest day in our lives as we remember what we lost. I will always remember your beloved Paul on that sad date, as I know that you will feel the sting just a little more on these anniversaries. SFC Smith, thank you hero...You are in the best of company in Heaven.
fran kostick
May 30, 2006
My husband was a soldier of sgt Smiths at fort stewart,ga in 2000.At the last ball we went to before my husband retired(so to speak)I was on crutches for a broken foot.Sgt Smith pulled me on to the dance floor and danced with me even though I was a little off balance.He was a nice man,and that is my fondest memory of him..He is greatly missed...
shawnee
May 1, 2006
Thank you for serving your country and for your sacrifice. I was on a web site and it said a Paul R. Smith was a Medal of Honor winner.
You were extremely courageous, and are a hero. God Bless you and your family.
rc parker
April 13, 2006
Dear Family,
I bled with the news of Paul's death. His heroic actions left me with a warm feeling toward him and family, though I've never met any of you. May God and nature bless you now and forever.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
March 4, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Smith family in the loss of Paul. I did not know Paul, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. Paul, April 4th will be 3 years since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
ken bassett
December 30, 2005
thank you
Rob Kumpf
December 16, 2005
Hooah SFC! Thanks for leading the way for guys like myself.
- PFC R. Kumpf
Karen Kirkpatrick
October 10, 2005
I wish you the best. Your son,husband and dad is an American Hero.
God Bless
Doc Wacholz
August 17, 2005
First my deepest sympathy for the family. I never knew Paul, but I have read his stories online and heard them on the news. Pauls story of bravery will ALWAYS be etched on my mind. His MOH award is well deserved and I will do my part in keeping his memory alive. God Bless your family & America...
Deborah Fritts
May 19, 2005
Today I went with my daughter to the veterans memorial in Richmond Hill, GA. I saw many names that were engraved on bricks, several from B, 11 ENG BN, 3rd ID. SFC Smith was the first one I saw. Being the daughter and wife of combat engineers, I stood there for a minute to reflect on my life in the army and what it had meant to me, especially having worked in a combat engineer brigade for 4 years. It brought tears to my eyes for those that were lost to us in body but not in spirit. SFC Smith not only exemplified what a senior NCO is about but what a truley committed soldier he was, taking care of his soldiers and others above his own safety. I heard stories about how really tough he could be but that's what an NCO has to do to teach and take care of his soldiers. To SFC Paul Smith, "Sappers In!" and to the soldiers of 3rd ID and all in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world, my thoughts and blessings are with you!
Jamie Bresee
May 18, 2005
You will always be a hero to the Americans.
Most of all, you will always be a hero to your children.
May they always remember your courage.
Rest in peace.
jud malcolm
May 18, 2005
dear family:
please allow me to extend to you my deepest sympathy on the loss of your paul. no words i could write can replace him, but his sacrifice will never be forgotten. i never met him, but i've known other men like him. i know he loved his family and his country. know this - you are loved, and your paul is honored and respected. jud malcolm - vietnam - 70-71.
Kyle
April 4, 2005
I never met him or anyone else on this website. None the less, I appreciate what they have done for me.
I first found out about Sgt. Smith when I discovered he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7379706
terry hatfield
March 2, 2005
I had the honor of Serving with Paul in teh engineers at Ft Stewart he was ans always will be a soldiers soldier. May god watch over his family and be with them in their time of sorrow.
Danielle Lukban
April 19, 2003
To the family of Paul R. Davis:
I am grateful for the sacrifice that Paul has made. He died so that I can live safe and free.
Stacey Judson
April 14, 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I had the pleasure of meeting Paul and his family while we were stationed in Germany. My husband, William, served with Paul in the 9th Engineer Battalion in Schweinfurt, Germany. (William is now serving in Iraq.) Paul will be deeply missed but not forgotten. God bless.
WARNER MILLER
April 14, 2003
I HAD THE HONOR OF SERVING WITH PAUL FOR SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE BRINGING MY MILITARY CARRER TO AN ND AND RESIDNG IN ATLANTA GA.I CAN HONESTLY SAY BY FAR HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST MINTORS AS WELL AS SOLDIERS THE UNITED STATES ARMY COULD HAVE EVER HAD VERY DETERMINED AND ALWAYS ACHIEVED HIS GOALS .HE,S A TRUE HERO A WARRIOR OF THESE DAYS AND AGES ONE WHO WILL BE DEEPLY MIST BUT OFTEN REMEMBERED GOD BLESS YOU SFC SMITH .
April 14, 2003
May God comfort you and your family through this time. The sacrifice your loved one made is hard to comprehend. What a blessing to have known and loved him. My prayers are with you.
Brenda Robertson
April 13, 2003
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. His heroic contribution to our freedom and way of life cannot be surpassed. This ultimate sacrifice will be appreciated world wide. God Bless.
Annette Bragg
April 12, 2003
My throughts and prayers are with you and your family.
April 12, 2003
GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY NOW AND IN THE DAYS AHEAD. I WILL KEEP YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS. WHAT A BRAVE HEROIC SOUL YOUR LOVED ONE WAS(AND FOR THAT I AM DEEPLY HUMBLED.)
April 12, 2003
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME. YOUR FAMILY MEMBER IS A HERO. GOD BLESS HIS SOUL. GOD BLESS THE USA.
Showing 1 - 64 of 64 results
Make a Donation
in Paul R. Smith's name
How to support Paul R.'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Paul R. Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored