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Dennis Donovan

(18,770 posts)
Wed Oct 30, 2019, 07:42 PM Oct 2019

'What can I do?': Special Forces soldier who fought to save his team in Afghanistan receives MoH

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2019/10/30/what-can-i-do-special-forces-soldier-who-fought-save-his-team-afghanistan-will-receive-medal-honor/


President Donald Trump places the Medal of Honor on Army Master Sgt. Matthew Williams, currently assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group, during a Medal of Honor Ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Washington. (Alex Brandon)

By
Dan Lamothe
Oct. 30, 2019 at 6:12 p.m. EDT
As day broke over the mountains of eastern Afghanistan, the Special Forces soldiers of Operational Detachment Alpha 3336 leaped from helicopters into a rocky, fast-moving river.

They would spend the next six hours in that snowy and frost-covered valley fighting for their lives.

The unit, split into three groups and teamed with Afghan commandos, came under an avalanche of fire on April 6, 2008, as the first group climbed a mountain during a hunt for a militant leader. A couple of soldiers were shot almost immediately — the opening salvos of what would be a six-hour battle against an estimated 200 enemy fighters.

On Wednesday, a soldier who braved fire repeatedly to help others became the second American to receive the Medal of Honor — the nation’s highest award for combat valor — for his actions that day.

Master Sgt. Matthew O. Williams, 37, received the award at the White House from President Trump, becoming the 18th recipient of the award for valor in Afghanistan and the 24th overall since the terrorist attacks of 2001 plunged America into 18 years of war.

“Matt’s incredible heroism helped ensure that not a single American soldier died in the Battle of Shok Valley,” Trump said. “His ground commander later wrote, ‘I’ve never seen a troop so poised, focused and capable during a fight,' and Matt is without question and without reservation one of the bravest soldiers and people I’ve ever met.”

</snip>


Master Sgt Williams!

...and fuck off Trump!
8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
'What can I do?': Special Forces soldier who fought to save his team in Afghanistan receives MoH (Original Post) Dennis Donovan Oct 2019 OP
what an honor Skittles Oct 2019 #1
If I were that young man, Dem2theMax Oct 2019 #7
I wonder how they will photo shop him out? dewsgirl Oct 2019 #2
Trump spoils a special moment. lpbk2713 Oct 2019 #3
Don wishes it was the dog so he could sell more dog coats. Vinca Oct 2019 #4
Well done MSG Williams DashOneBravo Oct 2019 #5
... Anon-C Oct 2019 #6
Bravo Zulu Master Sgt Williams! keithbvadu2 Oct 2019 #8

Dem2theMax

(9,651 posts)
7. If I were that young man,
Wed Oct 30, 2019, 08:33 PM
Oct 2019

I know I'd be asking if I could wait until the next president took over to give me the medal.

keithbvadu2

(36,806 posts)
8. Bravo Zulu Master Sgt Williams!
Wed Oct 30, 2019, 11:06 PM
Oct 2019

Bravo Zulu Master Sgt Williams!

Too bad it had to be given by Cadet Bone Spurs who mocks the MOH and ridicules the service of all POWs.

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