The term hero usually refers to individuals who, because of their courage, strength, or skill, stand apart from ordinary men and women. Occasionally, heroism is grim determination or even a matter of timing. But a hero is, most often, an average person who reacts to a crisis with quiet professionalism. By virtue of their leadership training, all noncommissioned officers are prepared for those situations from which heroes emerge. These heroes exemplify the seven Army values. Values are unselfish principles based on moral or traditional standards or codes of conduct. The values that have characterized the deeds of these heroes and the collective personality of the U.S. Army since 1775 include personal courage, loyalty, respect, duty, integrity, honor, and selfless service (Hogan, Fisch and Wright, 2003). These value traits are what Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith displayed on the 4th of April, 2003 in Baghdad, Iraq.

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