The terrorists filled the valley with a hail of bullets and explosions. And it was a big surprise - a very unwelcome surprise, I might add. The lead group was 60 feet up the slope when roughly 200 insurgents savagely attacked. When the first Americans reached the edge of the valley, at the base of a 100-foot mountain, a handful of Special Forces scouted ahead. On that cold spring morning, the soldiers arrived in helicopters and jumped 10 feet from their Chinooks into the rocky and freezing terrain of Shok Valley. On April 6th, 2008, he joined dozens of American Special Forces and Afghan commandos on a mission to take down a terrorist leader in a remote mountain village. Matt finished his Special Forces training in August 2007 and deployed to Afghanistan by October. ![]() So, after graduation, he enlisted in the Army to become a Green Beret. He wanted to be the best of the best he worked so hard at it. But after 9/11, Matt decided his place was on the frontlines of the war on terror. In college, he planned to pursue a career in law enforcement. He met Kate for the first time in elementary school. Matt Williams grew up in the small town of Boerne, Texas - a very small town. Thank you very much.Īnd Salvatore Giunta. (Laughter.) You have a brave politician for a change, right? That’s great. (Applause.) I heard you, maybe, are going to be running for office - but someday, I know, huh? I’ll tell you. I think so, right? Huh? Come on, let’s do that. And I thought maybe we should - what do you think? - we should introduce them. We’re also honored to be in the presence of eight previous Congressional Medal of Honor winners - recipients are here. (Applause.) Each of you has strengthened our nation through your steadfast love and support. Joining Matt for this special ceremony is his wife Kate, his father Michael, his mother Janet, brother Cody, and his sister Amy. We have a few other great politicians here, but we won’t bother because we want to get on with this one. ![]() (Applause.) Along with Representative Richard Hudson for being here. Thank you very much for being here.Īlso thank you to some very special warriors - in a little different kind of war, maybe, but they are warriors: Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Thom Tillis. (Applause.)Īlso with us is Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Byrne - thank you - thank you, Jim Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy - thank you Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley - thank you, General - great job, incredible job Army Chief of Staff James McConville and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston. The whole world is proud of you, frankly. And I just want to say, for all of our military: We’re very proud of you. He - he was hit hard, the way he should’ve been. And great job to you and to everybody and General Milley for the incredible act you performed seven days ago with al-Baghdadi. ![]() We are delighted to have with us the Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper. Please join me in welcoming today’s extraordinary recipient, Master Sergeant Matthew Williams. It’s called the “Congressional Medal of Honor.” There’s nothing like it. Well, this afternoon, it’s my privilege to present our nation’s highest and most revered military distinction. THE PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, Chaplain.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |