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3rd Infantry Division inducts new Marne Hall of Fame

3rd Infantry Division

Oct. 21, 2022 | 1:26

The 3rd Infantry Division is proud to announce the next class of nine inductees to the Marne Hall of Fame, including 107-year-old Silver Star recipient Harold Nelson. The Marne Hall of Fame honors Dogface Soldiers who served in the Division and had a lasting impact on the 3rd Infantry Division, our Army and nation.
Marne Hall of Fame nominees are U.S. military members (Officers, Warrant Officers, Noncommissioned Officers, and Soldiers) of 3rd ID who have brought great honor to the division through deed, sacrifice, or achievement. The 2022 inductees to the Marne Hall of Fame are:
• Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe
• Capt. Michael Daly
• Staff Sgt. Harold Nelson
• Master Sgt. Juan Negron
• Capt. Arlo Olson
• Sgt. 1st Class Agustin Ramos Calero
• Pvt. Demensio Rivera
• Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith
• Maj. Gen. Keith Ware
The addition of this new class of Marne Hall of Fame inductees preserves the division's legacy by paying respect to past heroes and promoting the unit’s remarkable history. The 2022 Marne Hall of Fame and Distinguished Members of the Division class will be formally inducted at the 3rd ID Soldier’s Ball on Dec. 2.

On April 4, 2003, Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. 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, 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, 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 60 mm mortar round.

Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, 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.

Smith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and his son, David Smith, received the award from President George W. Bush.