Master Sergeant Matthew Williams is a member of the United States Army and a recipient of the Armed Forces’ prestigious Medal of Honor.
Background
Williams was born near the small town of Boerne, Texas, on October 3, 1981. After completing high school, he attended Angelo State University, where he earned a degree in criminal justice. His initial ambition was to work as a detective for the FBI. However, after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, he became interested in military service. He joined the Army in 2005, attending Basic Airborne Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He then underwent an assessment and training to join Special Forces and eventually became a sergeant.
Williams joined Operational Detachment Alpha 3336, Company C, 3rd Battalion, Special Operations Task Force-33, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, and in 2008, he deployed to Afghanistan to participate in Operation Enduring Freedom. There, he showcased exceptional bravery and earned his Medal of Honor.
Medal of Honor Citation
Sergeant Matthew O. Williams distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on April 6, 2008, while serving as a Weapons Sergeant, Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3336, Special Operations Task Force-33, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Sergeant Williams was part of an assault element inserted by helicopter into a location in Afghanistan. As the assault element was moving up a mountain toward its objective, it was engaged by intense enemy machine gun, sniper, and rocket-propelled grenade fire.
The lead portion of the assault element, which included the ground commander, sustained several casualties and became pinned down on the sheer mountainside. Sergeant Williams, upon hearing that the lead element had sustained casualties and was in danger of being overrun, braved intense enemy fire to lead a counter-attack across a valley of ice-covered boulders and a fast-moving, ice cold, and waist-deep river. Under withering fire, Sergeant Williams and his local national commandos fought up the terraced mountainside to the besieged element. Arriving at the lead element’s position, Sergeant Williams arrayed his Afghan commandos to provide suppressive fire, which kept the insurgent fighters from overrunning the position.
When the Team Sergeant was wounded, Sergeant Williams braved enemy fire once again to provide buddy-aid and to move the Team Sergeant down the sheer mountainside to the casualty collection point. Sergeant Williams then fought and climbed his way back up the mountainside to help defend the lead assault element that still had several serious casualties in need of evacuation. Sergeant Williams directed suppressive fire and exposed himself to enemy fire in order to reestablish the team’s critical satellite radio communications. He then assisted with moving the wounded down the near-vertical mountainside to the casualty collection point. Noting that the collection point was about to be overrun by enemy fighters, Sergeant Williams led the Afghan commandos in a counter-attack that lasted for several hours.
When helicopters arrived to evacuate the wounded, Sergeant Williams again exposed himself to enemy fire, carrying and loading casualties onto the helicopters while continuing to direct commando firepower to suppress numerous insurgent positions. His actions enabled the patrol to evacuate wounded and dead comrades without further casualties. Sergeant Williams’ complete disregard for his own safety and his concern for the safety of his teammates ensured the survival of four critically wounded soldiers and prevented the lead element of the assault force from being overrun by the enemy. Sergeant Williams’ actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.
The Battle Rages
With the battle raging on, Williams made his way to the task force’s satellite radio and established communication with headquarters. He requested backup, and despite the ongoing fight, he rescued several wounded soldiers and recovered numerous casualties. He worked tirelessly, dodging enemy fire and putting himself in harm’s way to save the lives of his fellow service members.
Finally, evacuation helicopters arrived, and the battle ended. However, the bravery and selflessness displayed by Sergeant Williams will never be forgotten. He put the lives of others before his own, showing unwavering courage in the face of danger.
On October 30, 2019, President Donald Trump presented Williams with his Medal of Honor during a special ceremony at the White House. Williams continues to serve in the United States Army.
How to support the Medal of Honor mission
- Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society at cmohs.org or find them on Instagram |Facebook
- Participate in Medal of Honor Day on March 25 by sharing a recipient’s story
- Support veteran hiring and transition programs in your workplace
- Teach younger generations about the values of courage, sacrifice, and service
Medal of Honor Month isn’t just about recognizing history. It’s about keeping the mission alive for the future. Observe Medal of Honor March on We Are The Mighty here.