First Among Equals

The term "hero" is overused. It's become the word du jour; a catch-all adjectvie used by today's society to describe every cop who walks a beat, every fireman who climbs a ladder and every inner-city teacher who actually gives a damn. Those civil servants, those who keep us safe and teach our young, deserve our respect. Our admiration. Our heartfelt gratitude. However, unless their actions include conspicuous gallantry at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty, we suggest saving the term "hero" for those individuals who earn it.

Individuals like Sergeant First Class Paul Smith, who last month was posthumously awarded the medal to prove it.

Here's the Defense Department's official citation:

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.

The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest medal for valor in combat that can be awarded to any member of the armed forces. Although it is sometimes referred to as the "Congressional Medal of Honor", the President is the one who awards it on behalf of both the Congress and a grateful nation.

According to the Defense Department itself, Medals of Honor are awarded sparingly and are bestowed only to the bravest of the brave. And that valor must be well-documented. So few Medals of Honor are awarded, in fact, that only two (prior to SFC Smith) have been bestowed since Vietnam. Both were awarded posthumously to Army Master Sgt. Gary Gordon and Army Sgt. Firt Class Randy Shughart for valor in Somalia back in '93 (read or rent Blackhawk Down to see why).

Remember, we still owe a great deal of gratitude to every cop, firefighter, teacher, social worker and volunteer who sacrifices to make our communities better. Just think twice before calling them heroes.

It weakens the meaning for those who are.