Before joining the Army, Tibor worked as a butcher, then as a clerk and manger at a liquor store which was owned by his brother, Emery I. Rubin.

His inherent capabilities made him an outstanding soldier.

From July 23, 1950 to April 20, 1953; Corporal Tibor Rubin displayed outstanding valor, selfless dedication, commitment and bravery on the war front; thereby epitomizing nobility of service to his nation; which shall always be treasured and remembered eternally in the annals of history. During this period; Tibor Rubin served as a rifleman with Company I, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in the Republic of Korea.

A task accomplished with undaunted courage

While his 8th Cavalry Regiment was withdrawing to the Pusan Perimeter, Tibor Rubin was assigned with the duty to stay back and guard the significant Taegu-Pusan road which was to be used by his retreating unit of troops. Henceforth, a bloody battle ensued during which a staggering number of North Korean troops attacked a hill which was being defended by Tibor Rubin single-handedly. He displayed skilled marksmanship during the 24 hour battle and was able to bring down the attacking forces; thereby slowing down their advance. His unit was thus able to accomplish their retreat successfully. After having withdrawn completely from the Pusan Perimeter, the unit headed northward advancing into North Korea. During this advance process, Tibor Rubin proved to be a major contributor towards the capture of many North Korean soldiers.

The Sudden Assault

A rather unforeseen nighttime attack came on October 30, 1950; when his unit at Unsan, North Korea was attacked by the opponents. To take charge of the situation, Rubin manned a .30 caliber machinegun during that night as well as throughout the next day; until he ran out of ammunition. He was instrumental in slowing down the advance of the attacking force within his territory which allowed his remaining unit to withdraw southward. The war reached a peak, and Tibor Rubin sustained combat injuries and was severely wounded, and subsequently captured by the Chinese forces. The Chinese forces offered him to return to his native land of Hungary. Tibor Rubin was resolute and decided to stay within the prison camps.

A lantern in the dark: selfless commitment

Even while in prison, Tibor displayed immense selfless dedication and risked his own life and used to slip out of the camp during night time in order to search for food for his fellow inmates. Not only was he instrumental in providing food for his famished comrades; but Rubin also offered immense moral support as well as medical care and assistance for the sick and wounded Prisoners of War.

By showing gallant acts as well as nobility of service; he distinguished himself as an exemplary soldier and citizen and this is held in the highest tradition of military service.

Medal of Honor: A Tribute to the Brave and Patriotic

Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith of the United States Army was felicitated with the Congressional Medal of Honor on April 4th, 2005 during a White House ceremony.

Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith displayed an act of valor in the highest traditions of the American Army, on April 4, 2003 near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad. While he was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area; his Task Force cam under a fierce company sized attack. Realizing that his task force comprising of over 100 fellow soldiers may be overwhelmed by the enemy; he hastily mustered two platoons of soldiers and deployed them along with one Bradley Fighting vehicle and 3 armored personnel carriers.

Display of Undeterred Motivation and Courage

As the battle raged; with complete disregard to his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith exposed himself to hostile fire and engaged the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons as well as supervised the evacuation of three casualties from an armored personnel carrier which had been hit by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing that his defenses would be overwhelmed by the enemy forces, he moved under intense hostile fire and manned a .50 caliber machine which was mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier.

Undeterred by the Call of Duty

During this gallant action; Sergeant Smith exposed himself physically to fierce small-arms fire and kept the enemy engaged. During this engagement, Sergeant Smith was mortally wounded. In this act of courage, Sergeant Smith was instrumental in warding off an enemy attack, resulting in killing of 50 enemy soldiers and facilitating the safe evacuation of numerous casualties.

Indomitable spirit and precise action, exhibiting a great presence of mind

In this act of valor and courage; Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith created a history of sorts in that with a handful of soldiers he managed to break up an organized enemy assault comprising of a company plus. Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith brought laurels not only to himself but also the Third Infantry Division Rock of the Marne, and the United States Army.

This act of Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith is demonstrative of unprecedented courage in the face of highly equipped, fierce and highly motivated enemy force. He died protecting his unit in Baghdad during the operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Recognition Award

For this act of intrepidity, Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith was awarded with the Medal of Honor (posthumously). His family received the Medal of Honor on his behalf from the President of the United States of America during a White House Ceremony on April 4th, 2005.