Interview with Command Sergeant Major Gary Coker, Command Sergeant Major for 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, about Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith (from Tampa, FL). SFC Smith received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions at the Baghdad Airport on April 3, 2003, when his unit, 11th Engineer Battalion (Task Force 2-7), 3rd Infantry Division, came into contact with the enemy and SFC Smith was killed. CSM Coker talks about his memories of SFC Smith, his leadership abilities, and the feelings of his troops about him as a leader. He also talks about Bravo Company and their first taste of combat in Baghdad. Initially confronted with large weapons caches and numerous amounts of ammo, then losing four Soldiers to suicide bombers, and having to traverse extensive mine fields. CSM Coker also discusses the feelings of the troops on the battlefield that morning, what their strategy for attack was, and the protection they gave to other troops for over 48 hours while successfully taking Baghdad International Airport. He talks about the control SFC Smith had over his troops, the steps he took to defend them from the enemy, and the excellent reaction of the Soldiers because of the lessons he gave. Finally, he discusses the memorial service for SFC Smith in Baghdad, and the pride felt from the B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion Soldiers. Video from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Divsion Public Affairs.
| Date Taken: | 03.25.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 03.30.2005 13:11 |
| Category: | Interviews |
| Video ID: | 2108 |
| Filename: | DOD_I05033002 |
| Length: | 00:32:19 |
| Location: |
| Downloads: | 4 |
| High-Res. Downloads: | 1 |
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