Matthew O. Williams Explained

Matthew O. Williams
Birth Date:3 October 1981
Birth Place:Boerne, Texas
Allegiance:United States
Branch:United States Army
Serviceyears:2005–present
Rank:Command Sergeant Major
Unit:U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School
Battles:Operation Enduring Freedom

Operation Juniper Shield

Awards:Medal of Honor
Bronze Star Medal (3)
Meritorious Service Medal

Matthew O. Williams (born October 3, 1981) is a sergeant major in the United States Army.[1] He received the Medal of Honor (upgraded from a Silver Star)[2] on October 30, 2019, for his actions on April 6, 2008, as a member of Operational Detachment Alpha 3336, Special Operations Task Force 11, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan in the Battle of Shok Valley.[3] [4] [5]

Early life

Williams was born October 3, 1981, and spent most of his childhood in the small town of Boerne, Texas. He initially wanted to be a detective or work for the FBI when he grew up, so he obtained a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas. After 9/11, Williams started rethinking how he could serve his country. He researched Special Forces programs and, in September 2005, joined the United States Army.[3] [6]

Military career

In 2007, two years after he had joined the army, Williams became a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant (18B) with the 3rd Special Forces Group. Williams' first deployment was to Afghanistan and, on April 6, 2008, his unit was tasked to capture or kill high-value targets in the Shok Valley. The operation led to the events for which Williams was awarded the Medal of Honor.[6]

Williams, Lieutenant Colonel William D. Swenson, and Sergeant Major Thomas Payne are the only Medal of Honor recipients still on active duty. Williams was promoted to sergeant major during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on February 28, 2020.[1]

Awards and decorations

Personal decorations
Medal of Honor (upgraded from the Silver Star)
Bronze Star Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal (5 awards)
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
NCO Professional Development Ribbon with bronze award numeral 4
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 3
NATO Medal for service with ISAF
Unit awards
Valorous Unit Award

Medal of Honor citation


Personal life

Williams lives in North Carolina,[3] with his wife Kate and son Nolan.[6] [7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Medal of Honor recipient Matthew Williams promoted to sergeant major . Stars and Stripes . 29 Feb 2020.
  2. Web site: Medal of Honor Monday: Army Master Sgt. Matthew Williams . U.S. Department of Defense . 19 July 2024.
  3. Web site: Master Sergeant Matthew Williams | Medal of Honor Nominee | U.S. Army. www.army.mil.
  4. Web site: 'What can I do?': Special Forces soldier who fought to save his team in Afghanistan receives Medal of Honor. Dan. Lam. Washington Post.
  5. Web site: President Trump awards Medal of Honor to Master Sgt. Matthew Williams. Kyle. Rempfer. October 30, 2019. Army Times.
  6. Web site: Medal of Honor Monday: Army Master Sgt. Matthew Williams. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
  7. Web site: Green Beret To Receive Medal Of Honor For Saving Wounded Soldiers In Afghanistan. October 10, 2019.