Birgit Smith caresses the headstone of her late husband Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith. Birgit Smith caresses the headstone of her late husband Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith after it was unveiled at Arlington Cemetery on April 5, 2005. Sgt. Smith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President George W. Bush in ceremonies at the White House, Apr. 4, 2005. Sgt. Smith, a combat engineer, was killed defending his soldiers on April 4, 2003, in the Battle for the Baghdad Airport. Smith commandeered a .50-caliber machine gun and engaged the enemy force, continuing to fire until the enemy attack was repelled and he was mortally wounded. Smith is the first to receive the military's highest award for actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.09 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 361672-D-SJH27-841.jpg Photo Gallery