A true hero

I've seen Joe Montana, pursued by 300 pound linemen and drifting perilously close to the sideline with time expiring, gracefully toss that perfect ball and hit Dwight Clark at the back of the end zone. I've seen Willie Mays snag that ball over his head in a dead sprint toward the wall at the Polo Grounds. I've seen Bobby Thompson's shot and gleeful scamper around the bases to win the Giants a pennant. I've seen the seconds expire and our USA college kid hockey team toss their sticks and gloves in the air to complete the miracle on ice. I've seen Fisk dance down the first base line and will that ball to stay fair at Fenway. I've seen Franco Harris make that immaculate reception. I've seen Havlicek steal the ball. I've seen Frazier go down. I've seen Flutie hit Phelan.

Games and silly stuff compared to this:

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.

Sergeant Smith is the recipient of the first Medal of Honor awarded in the war on terror. Though I'll never see the footage, my mind's eye has seen him mount that .50 caliber gun to protect his friends, his country, and freedom. Though it's sad that the moments I've mentioned above are now somewhat diminished. It's proper.

Thank you Sergeant Smith for showing us what a true hero is.