Buried in Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Section D at gravesite 67 lies Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith. “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division Rock of the Marne, and the United States Army.”

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/buried-in-arlington-national-cemetery-memorial-section-d-at-gravesite-67-lies-sergeant-first-class-p-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingBuried in Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Section D at gravesite 67 lies Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith. “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division Rock of the Marne, and the United States Army.”

Buried in Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Section D at gravesite 67 lies Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith. “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division Rock of the Marne, and the United States Army.”

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/buried-in-arlington-national-cemetery-memorial-section-d-at-gravesite-67-lies-sergeant-first-class-p.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingBuried in Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Section D at gravesite 67 lies Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith. “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division Rock of the Marne, and the United States Army.”

Members of the Marine Honor Guard carry a casket through section 57 of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

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Continue ReadingMembers of the Marine Honor Guard carry a casket through section 57 of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

Members of the Marine Honor Guard carry a casket through section 57 of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/members-of-the-marine-honor-guard-carry-a-casket-through-section-57-of-arlington-national-cemetery-i.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingMembers of the Marine Honor Guard carry a casket through section 57 of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

On a black disc, an American bald eagle with wings displayed vertically, grasping an olive branch in its dexter talons and a bundle of thirteen arrows in its sinister talons, and bearing a shield blazoned: Gules, behind a folded United States flag Proper,a wreath Or. Below the eagle is a gold scroll inscribed “OUR MOST SACRED SHRINE” in black letters. Beneath the scroll is the Cemetery’s establishment year, 1864. All encircled by a black designation band edged gold and inscribed “ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY” in gold letters. Black and gold are the colors observed throughout Arlington National Cemetery. Black signifies mourning, and gold is emblematic of honor. The American bald eagle is a symbol of the United States of America and has long been associated with the national military establishment. The arrows stand for honors received in combat defending the peace, which is represented by the olive branch. The folded flag is a living symbol of service to one’s country. The wreath and shield are styled after ornaments on the Cemetery’s Schley and Roosevelt ceremonial gates, which bear the seals of the armed forces.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/on-a-black-disc-an-american-bald-eagle-with-wings-displayed-vertically-grasping-an-olive-branch-in-i-1.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingOn a black disc, an American bald eagle with wings displayed vertically, grasping an olive branch in its dexter talons and a bundle of thirteen arrows in its sinister talons, and bearing a shield blazoned: Gules, behind a folded United States flag Proper,a wreath Or. Below the eagle is a gold scroll inscribed “OUR MOST SACRED SHRINE” in black letters. Beneath the scroll is the Cemetery’s establishment year, 1864. All encircled by a black designation band edged gold and inscribed “ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY” in gold letters. Black and gold are the colors observed throughout Arlington National Cemetery. Black signifies mourning, and gold is emblematic of honor. The American bald eagle is a symbol of the United States of America and has long been associated with the national military establishment. The arrows stand for honors received in combat defending the peace, which is represented by the olive branch. The folded flag is a living symbol of service to one’s country. The wreath and shield are styled after ornaments on the Cemetery’s Schley and Roosevelt ceremonial gates, which bear the seals of the armed forces.

On a black disc, an American bald eagle with wings displayed vertically, grasping an olive branch in its dexter talons and a bundle of thirteen arrows in its sinister talons, and bearing a shield blazoned: Gules, behind a folded United States flag Proper,a wreath Or. Below the eagle is a gold scroll inscribed “OUR MOST SACRED SHRINE” in black letters. Beneath the scroll is the Cemetery’s establishment year, 1864. All encircled by a black designation band edged gold and inscribed “ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY” in gold letters. Black and gold are the colors observed throughout Arlington National Cemetery. Black signifies mourning, and gold is emblematic of honor. The American bald eagle is a symbol of the United States of America and has long been associated with the national military establishment. The arrows stand for honors received in combat defending the peace, which is represented by the olive branch. The folded flag is a living symbol of service to one’s country. The wreath and shield are styled after ornaments on the Cemetery’s Schley and Roosevelt ceremonial gates, which bear the seals of the armed forces.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/on-a-black-disc-an-american-bald-eagle-with-wings-displayed-vertically-grasping-an-olive-branch-in-i.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingOn a black disc, an American bald eagle with wings displayed vertically, grasping an olive branch in its dexter talons and a bundle of thirteen arrows in its sinister talons, and bearing a shield blazoned: Gules, behind a folded United States flag Proper,a wreath Or. Below the eagle is a gold scroll inscribed “OUR MOST SACRED SHRINE” in black letters. Beneath the scroll is the Cemetery’s establishment year, 1864. All encircled by a black designation band edged gold and inscribed “ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY” in gold letters. Black and gold are the colors observed throughout Arlington National Cemetery. Black signifies mourning, and gold is emblematic of honor. The American bald eagle is a symbol of the United States of America and has long been associated with the national military establishment. The arrows stand for honors received in combat defending the peace, which is represented by the olive branch. The folded flag is a living symbol of service to one’s country. The wreath and shield are styled after ornaments on the Cemetery’s Schley and Roosevelt ceremonial gates, which bear the seals of the armed forces.

A member of The Old Guard salutes the remains of an honored soldier and veteran at Arlington National Cemetery, while The Arlington House shines in the distance under the afternoon sun. The 3d U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. The Old Guard is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance. We are humbled to capture moments like this each and every service we cover here with Arlington Media.

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Continue ReadingA member of The Old Guard salutes the remains of an honored soldier and veteran at Arlington National Cemetery, while The Arlington House shines in the distance under the afternoon sun. The 3d U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. The Old Guard is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance. We are humbled to capture moments like this each and every service we cover here with Arlington Media.

A member of The Old Guard salutes the remains of an honored soldier and veteran at Arlington National Cemetery, while The Arlington House shines in the distance under the afternoon sun. The 3d U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. The Old Guard is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance. We are humbled to capture moments like this each and every service we cover here with Arlington Media.

[igp-video src="" poster="https://www.arlington.media/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/a-member-of-the-old-guard-salutes-the-remains-of-an-honored-soldier-and-veteran-at-arlington-nationa.jpg" size="large"]

Continue ReadingA member of The Old Guard salutes the remains of an honored soldier and veteran at Arlington National Cemetery, while The Arlington House shines in the distance under the afternoon sun. The 3d U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. The Old Guard is the Army’s official ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of national emergency or civil disturbance. We are humbled to capture moments like this each and every service we cover here with Arlington Media.

Soldiers in the US Army Old Guard fire three volleys during a funeral in the snow at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Continue ReadingSoldiers in the US Army Old Guard fire three volleys during a funeral in the snow at Arlington National Cemetery.

Soldiers in the US Army Old Guard fire three volleys during a funeral in the snow at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Continue ReadingSoldiers in the US Army Old Guard fire three volleys during a funeral in the snow at Arlington National Cemetery.