WEBVTT 00:00.510 --> 00:03.010 - [Emcee] Welcome to the Medal of Honor induction ceremony 00:03.010 --> 00:06.560 in honor of Master Sergeant Matthew O. Willams. 00:06.560 --> 00:09.500 Master Sergeant Williams was presented our nation's highest 00:09.500 --> 00:11.590 and most prestigious award for valor 00:11.590 --> 00:14.913 by the President of the United States, the Medal of Honor. 00:15.930 --> 00:18.040 This morning, he will formally be inducted 00:18.040 --> 00:22.310 into the Pentagon's most sacred place, the Hall of Heroes. 00:22.310 --> 00:25.070 Our official party for today's ceremony includes 00:25.070 --> 00:29.150 the Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Mark T. Esper, 00:29.150 --> 00:33.570 the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Ryan D. McCarthy, 00:33.570 --> 00:35.640 the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 00:35.640 --> 00:38.010 General Mark A. Milley, 00:38.010 --> 00:42.520 the Chief of Staff of the Army, General James C. McConville, 00:42.520 --> 00:46.290 and the Sergeant Major of the Army, Michael A. Grinston. 00:46.290 --> 00:48.620 Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the arrival 00:48.620 --> 00:50.760 of the official party and remain standing 00:50.760 --> 00:52.550 for the singing of our national anthem 00:52.550 --> 00:56.110 by Sergeant First Class Jesse Neece and the invocation 00:56.110 --> 00:58.520 delivered by Chaplain Thomas Solhjem. 01:23.342 --> 01:27.698 ♪ Oh say can you see ♪ 01:27.698 --> 01:31.805 ♪ By the dawn's early light ♪ 01:31.805 --> 01:35.502 ♪ What so proudly we hailed ♪ 01:35.502 --> 01:39.896 ♪ At the twilight's last gleaming ♪ 01:39.896 --> 01:43.966 ♪ Whose broad stripes and bright stars ♪ 01:43.966 --> 01:48.284 ♪ Through the perilous fight ♪ 01:48.284 --> 01:52.155 ♪ O'er the ramparts, we watched ♪ 01:52.155 --> 01:57.118 ♪ Were so gallantly streaming ♪ 01:57.118 --> 02:01.100 ♪ And the rockets' red glare ♪ 02:01.100 --> 02:05.264 ♪ The bombs bursting in air ♪ 02:05.264 --> 02:09.179 ♪ Gave proof through the night ♪ 02:09.179 --> 02:14.023 ♪ That our flag was still there ♪ 02:14.023 --> 02:18.989 ♪ O say, does that star-spangled ♪ 02:18.989 --> 02:23.989 ♪ Banner yet wave ♪ 02:24.325 --> 02:29.325 ♪ O'er the land of the free ♪ 02:29.986 --> 02:33.653 ♪ And the home of the brave ♪ 02:42.530 --> 02:44.810 - Ladies and gentlemen, please join me as we honor 02:44.810 --> 02:47.693 a great American in this ceremony in a word of prayer. 02:48.837 --> 02:50.980 The Lord is my refuge and fortress, 02:50.980 --> 02:53.230 my God in whom I trust. 02:53.230 --> 02:55.510 God almighty, Lord of heaven and earth, 02:55.510 --> 02:58.070 we gather to express our thanks for those who seek 02:58.070 --> 03:01.560 to liberate the oppressed, protect the defenseless, 03:01.560 --> 03:03.820 and fight for our freedom and our very way of life 03:03.820 --> 03:05.610 at home and abroad. 03:05.610 --> 03:08.260 Today, we add Master Sergeant Matthew Williams 03:08.260 --> 03:10.760 to our nation's pantheon of warriors 03:10.760 --> 03:13.900 for his courage, sacrifice, and heroism. 03:13.900 --> 03:16.480 He understood the hazards of the profession 03:16.480 --> 03:18.320 and has upheld it with honor, integrity, 03:18.320 --> 03:20.320 and selfless service. 03:20.320 --> 03:22.860 Master Sergeant Williams confronted evil, 03:22.860 --> 03:25.950 was focused under fire, and fulfilled his destiny 03:25.950 --> 03:29.080 in a moment born out of a life of devotion to his team, 03:29.080 --> 03:32.880 his mission, and his service to this great nation. 03:32.880 --> 03:35.080 God bless Matthew, Kate, their son Nolan, 03:35.080 --> 03:38.150 his family, and his comrades in arms. 03:38.150 --> 03:40.030 May his life inspire us all to serve 03:40.030 --> 03:43.610 with the same determination to act courageously. 03:43.610 --> 03:46.650 Lord, be with the Special Forces, our Army, 03:46.650 --> 03:49.170 and this great nation as we continue to lift 03:49.170 --> 03:52.180 the lamp of liberty up for all the world to see. 03:52.180 --> 03:53.980 I pray these things in your most holy 03:53.980 --> 03:56.143 and gracious name, amen. 03:58.460 --> 03:59.810 - [Emcee] Please be seated. 04:04.510 --> 04:07.043 Ladies and gentlemen, General McConville. 04:08.382 --> 04:11.549 (audience applauding) 04:17.010 --> 04:18.290 - Well, good morning. 04:18.290 --> 04:21.320 It is a great day to be in the United States Army, 04:21.320 --> 04:24.240 and it's a great day because we serve 04:24.240 --> 04:27.100 with the world's greatest soldiers, 04:27.100 --> 04:30.550 and today is especially great because we will honor 04:30.550 --> 04:32.210 Master Sergeant Matt Williams, 04:32.210 --> 04:35.460 induct him into our Hall of Heroes. 04:35.460 --> 04:37.690 Secretary and Mrs. Esper, General Milley, 04:37.690 --> 04:42.100 Secretary McCarthy, Sergeant Major and Mrs. Grinston, 04:42.100 --> 04:44.950 Ms. Herschman, and all distinguished guests, 04:44.950 --> 04:47.310 thank you for being here. 04:47.310 --> 04:50.530 As we induct a new member into the Hall of Heroes, 04:50.530 --> 04:53.520 it's fitting that we have four great Americans 04:53.520 --> 04:56.480 and members of the Hall of Heroes themselves 04:56.480 --> 04:59.310 here to welcome Master Sergeant Williams, 04:59.310 --> 05:03.550 Lieutenant General Robert Foley, Major General Will Swenson, 05:03.550 --> 05:06.652 Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, 05:06.652 --> 05:08.970 and Staff Sergeant Ron Shurer, 05:08.970 --> 05:11.720 five of our Medal of Honor recipients. 05:11.720 --> 05:15.370 General Foley received his medal for action in Vietnam. 05:15.370 --> 05:18.650 Major Swenson earned his in Afghanistan, 05:18.650 --> 05:20.533 and Staff Sergeant Bellavia received his 05:20.533 --> 05:24.370 for his actions in Iraq, 05:24.370 --> 05:26.560 and Staff Sergeant Shurer actually earned his 05:26.560 --> 05:29.910 in Afghanistan as part of the same unit 05:29.910 --> 05:31.740 and on the same operation 05:31.740 --> 05:34.040 that Master Sergeant Williams is being recognized for. 05:34.040 --> 05:35.300 Gentlemen, could you please stand 05:35.300 --> 05:36.722 so we can recognize you all? 05:36.722 --> 05:41.722 (James clapping) (audience applauding) 05:53.289 --> 05:55.500 And I know that Master Sergeant Williams has a lot 05:55.500 --> 05:58.060 of families and friends in the audience. 05:58.060 --> 06:00.000 His wife Kate is here. 06:00.000 --> 06:03.020 Nolan, their almost-three-year-old, he wanted to be here. 06:03.020 --> 06:05.560 He sent me a nice note saying that he really wanted 06:05.560 --> 06:08.300 to hear my speech, but he had some critical 06:08.300 --> 06:10.300 Halloween activities that he had to take at home, 06:10.300 --> 06:12.483 so he is here in spirit. 06:13.550 --> 06:15.460 Matt's parents, Mike and Janet, are here. 06:15.460 --> 06:16.630 Thank you for being here. 06:16.630 --> 06:19.700 His sister Amy and her daughter Macy is here. 06:19.700 --> 06:22.370 His brother and sister-in-law Cody and Sarah, 06:22.370 --> 06:25.410 and so very, very special to have you all here 06:25.410 --> 06:27.410 for this great moment. 06:27.410 --> 06:31.503 We also have 10 former members of the ODA 336 06:32.620 --> 06:35.382 which I think may be the most decorated ODA 06:35.382 --> 06:38.830 that we've ever had in the Army, and two interpreters. 06:38.830 --> 06:39.970 Gentlemen, could you please stand 06:39.970 --> 06:41.849 so we can recognize you all? 06:41.849 --> 06:46.849 (James clapping) (audience applauding) 07:02.320 --> 07:04.220 Thank you all for your heroism, and today, 07:04.220 --> 07:05.730 we are inducting Master Sergeant Williams 07:05.730 --> 07:07.200 into the Hall of Heroes. 07:07.200 --> 07:10.850 It's a special place reserved for those, only for those, 07:10.850 --> 07:13.870 who have demonstrated extraordinary courage 07:13.870 --> 07:15.150 at the risk of their own life, 07:15.150 --> 07:18.420 above and beyond the call of duty, 07:18.420 --> 07:20.950 and Master Sergeant Williams will be the first to tell you 07:20.950 --> 07:25.000 that this award and his actions that day in Afghanistan 07:25.000 --> 07:26.860 weren't about him. 07:26.860 --> 07:29.620 They're about the soldiers he was fighting with 07:29.620 --> 07:32.680 and about the soldiers he was fighting for, 07:32.680 --> 07:36.430 and April 6th, 2008 started like many days before 07:36.430 --> 07:38.990 with Master Sergeant Williams and his teammates 07:38.990 --> 07:43.120 on Operational Detachment 336 preparing to support 07:43.120 --> 07:46.340 their Afghan commando counterparts on a mission 07:46.340 --> 07:48.870 to kill or capture terrorist leaders. 07:48.870 --> 07:51.090 The destination on that particular day 07:51.090 --> 07:53.679 was a small village, high on a mountainside 07:53.679 --> 07:56.910 in Eastern Afghanistan in the Shok Valley 07:56.910 --> 07:59.530 of Nuristan Province, and those who've been to Nuristan, 07:59.530 --> 08:03.520 it's a beautiful place, but not on this day. 08:03.520 --> 08:05.660 Weather and terrain prevented the combined U.S. 08:05.660 --> 08:08.830 and Afghan element from landing on the mountaintop, 08:08.830 --> 08:10.850 so Master Sergeant Williams' team inserted 08:10.850 --> 08:12.810 on the valley floor below. 08:12.810 --> 08:15.480 As the thump of the helicopter's rotors receded 08:15.480 --> 08:18.930 into the distance, silence returned to the valley, 08:18.930 --> 08:22.930 and the commandos in Team 336 began climbing up 08:22.930 --> 08:26.850 the rocky mountainside towards their intended target. 08:26.850 --> 08:28.840 All the while, insurgent fighters, 08:28.840 --> 08:31.710 alerted by the sound of the approaching helicopters, 08:31.710 --> 08:34.530 crept into fighting positions on the rock face, 08:34.530 --> 08:38.710 towering about the advancing U.S. and Afghan team. 08:38.710 --> 08:42.420 Moments later, explosions and heavy machine gun fire 08:42.420 --> 08:44.900 shattered the morning stillness as bullets 08:44.900 --> 08:49.900 and rocket-propelled grenades rained down on the team. 08:50.600 --> 08:51.510 On the valley floor, 08:51.510 --> 08:53.610 Master Sergeant Williams quickly realized 08:53.610 --> 08:56.630 the lead elements of the team ahead were pinned down 08:56.630 --> 08:59.360 and in danger of being overrun. 08:59.360 --> 09:01.650 Without hesitation, he maneuvered his team 09:01.650 --> 09:05.020 of Afghan commandos up the mountain to reinforce 09:05.020 --> 09:09.030 the friendly position and disrupt the enemy assault. 09:09.030 --> 09:11.030 Master Sergeant Williams in the command to suppress 09:11.030 --> 09:13.850 the attacking enemy and began evacuating 09:13.850 --> 09:18.130 wounded soldiers, including his team sergeant, Scott Ford. 09:18.130 --> 09:19.630 Master Sergeant Williams fought his way up 09:19.630 --> 09:23.160 and down the mountainside for the next six hours, 09:23.160 --> 09:25.700 repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire 09:25.700 --> 09:28.520 to render aid, evacuate casualties, 09:28.520 --> 09:31.630 and suppress the insurgent advances, 09:31.630 --> 09:34.810 and though four of his teammates were wounded that day, 09:34.810 --> 09:39.810 thanks to Matt, all the members of ODA 336 returned home. 09:40.580 --> 09:43.390 Every generation has its heroes, 09:43.390 --> 09:46.690 and we are in the presence of a modern-day hero today, 09:46.690 --> 09:48.780 Master Sergeant Matt Williams. 09:48.780 --> 09:50.640 Thank you for your commitment to your teammates 09:50.640 --> 09:53.570 and Afghan partners on that fateful day. 09:53.570 --> 09:57.150 Without your decisive leadership and courage you displayed, 09:57.150 --> 09:58.570 the outcome of the battle would have 09:58.570 --> 10:00.040 likely been far worse. 10:00.040 --> 10:03.520 God bless you, your family, our great nation, 10:03.520 --> 10:06.850 and all those soldiers still serving in harm's way. 10:06.850 --> 10:10.477 Thank you. (audience applauding) 10:19.680 --> 10:22.230 - [Emcee] Ladies and gentlemen, Secretary McCarthy. 10:28.480 --> 10:30.920 - Good morning, and welcome to today's ceremony. 10:30.920 --> 10:32.720 This is a momentous day for us. 10:32.720 --> 10:34.700 We get to honor one of our own, 10:34.700 --> 10:37.040 Master Sergeant Matthew Williams. 10:37.040 --> 10:39.423 Matt, I know you don't enjoy the limelight, 10:40.330 --> 10:43.470 so I'll try to make this as quick as I can, 10:43.470 --> 10:46.580 but please allow us to celebrate you for a moment. 10:46.580 --> 10:48.120 As General McConville mentioned, 10:48.120 --> 10:50.486 Matt's parents Michael and Janet are here today, 10:50.486 --> 10:53.620 his brother Cody, his sister Amy, 10:53.620 --> 10:55.693 and their daughter Macy, my new friend. 10:57.830 --> 11:00.250 Matt's in-laws, Dee and Anthony Geer are here 11:00.250 --> 11:03.560 from Trophy Club, Texas, and as I found out the other night, 11:03.560 --> 11:06.410 they lived a half a mile from me for five years, 11:06.410 --> 11:09.250 and we have many mutual friends from the old neighborhood. 11:09.250 --> 11:11.860 It is an incredibly small world, indeed. 11:11.860 --> 11:14.390 So I mentioned this coincidence to my wife, 11:14.390 --> 11:16.270 and she said she immediately wanted to ask me 11:16.270 --> 11:18.400 to tell everyone how much she missed them, 11:18.400 --> 11:19.930 so if you could relay those messages 11:19.930 --> 11:23.090 when you head back home, I'd appreciate that immensely. 11:23.090 --> 11:25.223 So message passed, and mission complete. 11:26.420 --> 11:28.280 Matt's wife Kate is here by his side, 11:28.280 --> 11:30.710 and as mentioned by the Chief, Nolan is in North Carolina 11:30.710 --> 11:33.700 on special operations for Halloween today, 11:33.700 --> 11:37.700 so for everyone, in particular Kate and Nolan, 11:37.700 --> 11:40.610 thank you for the sacrifices you continue to make 11:40.610 --> 11:43.343 on behalf of a grateful nation, so thank you so much. 11:45.438 --> 11:50.438 (Ryan clapping) (audience applauding) 11:55.230 --> 11:57.330 So Matt, as a family man as you can see 11:57.330 --> 11:59.630 by the group assembled here today, 11:59.630 --> 12:03.140 this is where he draws his energy and gets his grounding 12:03.140 --> 12:04.183 as the humble hero. 12:05.230 --> 12:08.130 Part of that family includes his SOF family, 12:08.130 --> 12:09.430 many of which are here today, 12:09.430 --> 12:13.600 and thanks to the ODA 3336 up from Ft. Bragg 12:13.600 --> 12:16.740 and pausing from the grueling train-up before missions. 12:16.740 --> 12:17.930 This is the only SOF ODA 12:17.930 --> 12:20.550 to have two Medals of Honor on one team, 12:20.550 --> 12:23.100 and arguably, and we are verifying this, 12:23.100 --> 12:26.013 the most highly-decorated in the history of Special Forces. 12:27.250 --> 12:29.850 The four Medal of Honor recipients mentioned as well, 12:29.850 --> 12:32.720 General Robert Foley, Major General William Swenson, 12:32.720 --> 12:35.290 Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, and your teammate, 12:35.290 --> 12:38.620 Staff Sergeant Ron Shurer, thank you all for coming. 12:38.620 --> 12:40.820 Ron, the pressure's off of you today, 12:40.820 --> 12:42.470 so you can enjoy this one, bud, 12:42.470 --> 12:45.250 and you can relax a little and take it all in. 12:45.250 --> 12:47.700 To everyone here assembled, thank you for coming. 12:49.090 --> 12:50.880 Master Sergeant Williams is just like 12:50.880 --> 12:53.703 the rest of the force, but more so. 12:54.740 --> 12:57.392 He's the embodiment of courage under fire, 12:57.392 --> 12:58.963 the bonds of brotherhood, 12:59.850 --> 13:02.000 and the very best this nation has to offer. 13:02.930 --> 13:06.150 You heard the Chief talk about that fateful mission, 13:06.150 --> 13:07.500 every word of it inspiring. 13:08.390 --> 13:10.520 Today, I'd like to talk to you about 13:10.520 --> 13:11.870 the man behind the mission. 13:13.300 --> 13:17.970 Matt grew up in Bernie, Texas, not too far from San Antonio. 13:17.970 --> 13:20.280 His dad worked in the oil business, 13:20.280 --> 13:22.550 and his mom, a school nurse, 13:22.550 --> 13:24.690 ensuring that he and his two siblings 13:24.690 --> 13:27.390 were able to attend every after-school event they had. 13:28.500 --> 13:32.653 Matt actually met his future wife Kate in elementary school. 13:33.790 --> 13:36.350 I'm not making this up. (audience laughing) 13:36.350 --> 13:39.568 This is real life, Hallmark Channel movie stuff. 13:39.568 --> 13:42.230 (audience laughing) 13:42.230 --> 13:45.900 Matt and Kate were third grade classmates together 13:45.900 --> 13:47.253 and destined to be married, 13:48.180 --> 13:50.596 although clearly, they didn't know it at the time. 13:50.596 --> 13:51.650 (audience laughing) 13:51.650 --> 13:53.163 More on that story in a bit. 13:54.480 --> 13:57.970 As fate would have it, he and his family moved to Houston, 13:57.970 --> 14:00.170 away from Kate, although obviously, 14:00.170 --> 14:02.480 this isn't where their story ends. 14:02.480 --> 14:06.230 Matt graduated from high school, heavily involved in sports, 14:06.230 --> 14:08.520 and rolled into college with the ultimate goal 14:08.520 --> 14:10.020 of service in law enforcement. 14:10.980 --> 14:12.680 Moved by a sense of patriotism 14:12.680 --> 14:15.630 immediately following the attacks on 9/11, 14:15.630 --> 14:18.230 Matt enlisted in the Army with the hopes 14:18.230 --> 14:19.380 of being a Green Beret. 14:20.420 --> 14:23.693 He was just like any other college kid, but more so. 14:25.150 --> 14:27.800 After selection and the Q Course, 14:27.800 --> 14:29.640 Matt quickly immersed himself in his craft 14:29.640 --> 14:32.590 of special operations as a weapons specialist 14:33.820 --> 14:36.900 where the team construct is held in the highest regard. 14:36.900 --> 14:39.083 Obviously, Matt took a rapid liking to SOF, 14:40.580 --> 14:43.500 and Matt, just as he demonstrated as a sibling, 14:43.500 --> 14:46.810 on the sports field, and in the Q Course, 14:46.810 --> 14:49.110 being a member of a team is what he does best. 14:50.394 --> 14:53.690 He quickly developed strong familial ties with his ODA 14:53.690 --> 14:57.643 as they prepared for war, and war is what they would find. 14:58.780 --> 15:00.580 On his first deployment to Afghanistan, 15:00.580 --> 15:02.980 with the odds stacked against him, 15:02.980 --> 15:05.603 Matt's grit and determination would win the day. 15:06.750 --> 15:10.920 The feedback from his team comprised of members on that trip 15:10.920 --> 15:14.640 to the subsequent four deployments with Special Forces, 15:14.640 --> 15:16.463 and their responses were unanimous. 15:17.300 --> 15:18.680 One of his former teammates remarked 15:18.680 --> 15:22.630 that Matt is known for remaining calm, cool, and collected, 15:22.630 --> 15:26.130 and these qualities allowed him to do the extraordinary. 15:26.130 --> 15:28.510 The running joke is that it's impossible 15:28.510 --> 15:30.503 to get Matt's heart rate above 60, 15:32.020 --> 15:33.423 firefight or otherwise. 15:34.800 --> 15:37.180 He will be the first person to drop what he's doing 15:37.180 --> 15:39.380 and help everyone around him. 15:39.380 --> 15:41.520 He's a consummate professional 15:41.520 --> 15:43.213 in the vanguard of Green Berets. 15:44.230 --> 15:45.713 Not a bad peer review, huh? 15:47.440 --> 15:49.677 Matt not only inspired his detachment, 15:49.677 --> 15:51.890 but he also inspired the Afghan commandos 15:51.890 --> 15:54.420 that were partnered with them as well. 15:54.420 --> 15:57.500 Matt is the epitome of the quiet professional. 15:57.500 --> 16:01.230 He is funny and kind, but in a firefight, 16:01.230 --> 16:02.330 there are none better. 16:03.350 --> 16:05.040 Master Sergeant Williams would serve 16:05.040 --> 16:08.473 like every SOF operator that day, but more so. 16:10.060 --> 16:12.100 In this same, short time span 16:12.100 --> 16:14.430 with the odds stacked against him, 16:14.430 --> 16:19.100 Matt's grit and determination would win the day, again. 16:19.100 --> 16:21.330 You see, about a month after this fateful tour 16:21.330 --> 16:24.590 to Afghanistan, and while on block leave, 16:24.590 --> 16:27.573 Matt attended his buddy's wedding back home in Texas. 16:28.470 --> 16:31.830 There stood Kate, and in a moment, 16:31.830 --> 16:35.513 the past and present converged, providence if you will. 16:37.150 --> 16:40.150 I did ask Matt if he was in uniform wearing his green beret. 16:41.080 --> 16:43.363 Matt laughed, replied no, 16:44.320 --> 16:46.070 and that he'd worn a suit that day. 16:46.980 --> 16:50.100 He must have been like every other wedding guest, 16:50.100 --> 16:52.443 but to Kate, certainly more so. 16:54.194 --> 16:56.900 I know that Nolan couldn't be here today, 16:56.900 --> 16:59.100 but I wanted to pass a message along to him. 17:00.100 --> 17:03.700 Nolan will undoubtedly grow up hearing about that mission, 17:03.700 --> 17:05.900 and I wanted him to be able to hear a couple things 17:05.900 --> 17:08.423 about his dad at this moment in time. 17:09.800 --> 17:12.630 So Nolan, your dad tells us you like 17:12.630 --> 17:15.540 cutting the grass on the riding lawn mower, 17:15.540 --> 17:19.123 the classic dad-kid steering wheel and pedal combination, 17:20.920 --> 17:23.850 that you all love your quiet off-post community, 17:23.850 --> 17:25.170 and that your neighborhood is packed 17:25.170 --> 17:26.633 with a ton of kids your age. 17:27.780 --> 17:31.450 Your dad loves hanging out with you and your mom the most, 17:31.450 --> 17:33.420 and I know that you're named after Houston Astros 17:33.420 --> 17:36.520 legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan. 17:36.520 --> 17:38.750 Growing up in Chicago, you know Nolan Ryan 17:38.750 --> 17:40.589 'cause he beats you every day. 17:40.589 --> 17:42.250 (audience laughing) 17:42.250 --> 17:43.490 That obviously this is a tough time 17:43.490 --> 17:45.677 to be in Washington, DC as an Astros fan, 17:45.677 --> 17:48.677 (audience laughing) 17:49.660 --> 17:51.243 but you're taking it in stride. 17:54.720 --> 17:58.823 Nolan, your dad is just like every other dad, but more so. 17:59.930 --> 18:02.253 To us, your dad is a hero. 18:04.760 --> 18:06.921 Matt didn't come about these superhuman qualities 18:06.921 --> 18:09.593 after being bit by a radioactive spider. 18:10.800 --> 18:13.210 Master Sergeant Williams' superhuman feats 18:13.210 --> 18:15.403 come from his grit and determination. 18:16.510 --> 18:18.510 He is the quintessential humble warrior. 18:19.940 --> 18:21.440 When I asked Matt if he'd like to join us 18:21.440 --> 18:26.440 for a job in DC, he laughed and politely declined. 18:28.119 --> 18:30.433 He told me he appreciated the job offer, 18:31.470 --> 18:33.670 but his desire was to return to a detachment 18:35.090 --> 18:36.940 and continue to do what he does best, 18:38.125 --> 18:41.480 and as tempting as it would be to steal him to the E-ring, 18:41.480 --> 18:43.290 the nation needs Master Sergeant Williams 18:43.290 --> 18:44.473 leading its operators. 18:45.870 --> 18:47.790 Master Sergeant Williams inspired us to be 18:47.790 --> 18:51.163 the best version of ourselves, just more so. 18:52.280 --> 18:54.490 Matt, we're excited and proud of you, 18:54.490 --> 18:56.193 and on behalf of your Army family, 18:57.100 --> 18:58.107 thank you for who you are 18:58.107 --> 19:01.070 and what you continue to do for our country. 19:01.070 --> 19:02.760 Ladies and gentlemen, it's my privilege to introduce 19:02.760 --> 19:06.454 the 27th Secretary of Defense, Dr. Mark T. Esper. 19:06.454 --> 19:09.621 (audience applauding) 19:19.086 --> 19:21.006 - Yeah, Secretary Ryan stole my thunder there. 19:21.006 --> 19:23.200 I had a chance to meet the family last night. 19:23.200 --> 19:25.814 They're very excited about being with the president, 19:25.814 --> 19:27.490 a joy to be in Washington DC, 19:27.490 --> 19:29.100 and I guess they woke up angry 19:29.100 --> 19:30.690 that the Nationals beat the Astros. 19:30.690 --> 19:32.240 Sorry about that, folks. 19:32.240 --> 19:33.160 It is what it is. 19:33.160 --> 19:34.260 Hey, good morning everyone. 19:34.260 --> 19:35.500 Thank you fro being here. 19:35.500 --> 19:36.920 Macy, ignore Secretary Ryan. 19:36.920 --> 19:38.100 I'm your favorite because I gave you 19:38.100 --> 19:39.930 a box of cookies, right? 19:39.930 --> 19:42.120 That's right, good to go. 19:42.120 --> 19:43.900 Hey, thank you all for being here to commemorate 19:43.900 --> 19:46.160 such a special moment for our armed forces 19:46.160 --> 19:49.070 and our country as Master Sergeant Matt Williams 19:49.070 --> 19:52.770 takes his well-deserved place in the Hall of Heroes today. 19:52.770 --> 19:54.900 In addition to Matt as has already been announced 19:54.900 --> 19:57.710 are his wife Kate and the rest of his family today. 19:57.710 --> 20:01.060 Now look, Secretary McCarthy only told part of the story. 20:01.060 --> 20:03.025 Yes, they met in grade school, 20:03.025 --> 20:05.320 but they met during PE class, right, 20:05.320 --> 20:06.500 and I told you I wouldn't say this, 20:06.500 --> 20:07.660 but I'm gonna say it, 20:07.660 --> 20:09.970 and not just any other normal PE class. 20:09.970 --> 20:11.920 Members of the team, you'll enjoy this. 20:11.920 --> 20:13.658 They were square dance partners. 20:13.658 --> 20:17.030 (audience laughing) 20:17.030 --> 20:19.480 Maybe Matt went on to be a world-class square dancer, 20:19.480 --> 20:20.810 I don't know. (audience laughing) 20:20.810 --> 20:22.580 Maybe that's what enabled him to go up and down 20:22.580 --> 20:23.790 that mountain multiple times, 20:23.790 --> 20:26.270 but that's where it all began, square dancing. 20:26.270 --> 20:28.700 I don't think Johnny Rambo ever square danced Matt, 20:28.700 --> 20:29.693 so anyways. 20:30.560 --> 20:33.120 We also welcome his Army teammates from 20:34.609 --> 20:37.710 A Team, 3336 who fought alongside Matt. 20:37.710 --> 20:39.170 Thank you all for being here, it's tremendous. 20:39.170 --> 20:41.470 It just shows the strength and unity of your team, 20:41.470 --> 20:44.720 and thank you all for your service to the nation as well, 20:44.720 --> 20:45.850 and we've already introduced 20:45.850 --> 20:47.230 the previous Medal of Honor winners. 20:47.230 --> 20:48.120 Thank you all for being here. 20:48.120 --> 20:49.904 Ron, good to see you again as well. 20:49.904 --> 20:51.320 Glad you all could make it here 20:51.320 --> 20:53.390 for this very, very important today. 20:53.390 --> 20:54.780 You know, you may all recall the words 20:54.780 --> 20:57.360 of President George W. Bush upon the launch 20:57.360 --> 21:01.040 of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 when he said 21:01.040 --> 21:04.600 quote since September 11th, an entire generation 21:04.600 --> 21:07.190 of young Americans has gained new understanding 21:07.190 --> 21:09.420 of the value of freedom and its cost 21:09.420 --> 21:12.590 and its duty and its sacrifice. 21:12.590 --> 21:14.960 As you heard, Matt made his decision to join the Army 21:14.960 --> 21:17.860 in the wake of 9/11 precisely because he understood 21:17.860 --> 21:22.640 that our freedom is worth every cost and every sacrifice, 21:22.640 --> 21:24.045 and on that day in the Shok Valley, 21:24.045 --> 21:26.290 the day that earned him the Medal of Honor, 21:26.290 --> 21:29.320 he was prepared to sacrifice it all. 21:29.320 --> 21:31.850 Matt's feats of courage will surely be an inspiration 21:31.850 --> 21:34.450 for future generations of service members. 21:34.450 --> 21:36.840 Those hours he spent fighting his way up and down 21:36.840 --> 21:38.700 a mountain while being attacked by more than 21:38.700 --> 21:41.960 200 enemy insurgents were not only in defense 21:41.960 --> 21:43.672 of his teammates under siege, 21:43.672 --> 21:46.010 but also in defense of the very principles 21:46.010 --> 21:48.393 that led him to a career of military service. 21:49.230 --> 21:51.340 We are thankful that Matt has chosen to serve 21:51.340 --> 21:53.620 for 14 years and counting, 21:53.620 --> 21:56.050 and we are grateful for the opportunity to honor him 21:56.050 --> 21:59.346 as one of the rare warriors whose leadership helped shape 21:59.346 --> 22:02.550 the story of America's fighting spirit, 22:02.550 --> 22:05.363 courage under fire, and military strength. 22:06.520 --> 22:08.030 Since the Civil War, 22:08.030 --> 22:10.880 the Medal of Honor has immortalized the uncommon valor 22:10.880 --> 22:13.363 of our service members on the field of battle. 22:14.220 --> 22:16.930 In every conflict, near and far, 22:16.930 --> 22:19.160 American men and women have answered the call to serve 22:19.160 --> 22:21.940 and executed their mission with the same resolve 22:21.940 --> 22:24.230 as those who came before them. 22:24.230 --> 22:26.860 There's a common thread in each of their stories, 22:26.860 --> 22:29.140 one that stands the test of time: 22:29.140 --> 22:31.380 an extraordinary commitment to duty, 22:31.380 --> 22:33.970 to team, to mission over self. 22:33.970 --> 22:36.430 Our conflicts today continue to reveal some of our nation's 22:36.430 --> 22:39.243 most courageous heroes who embody that spirit. 22:40.260 --> 22:41.753 Each time we induct a new service member 22:41.753 --> 22:43.670 into the Hall of Heroes, 22:43.670 --> 22:46.390 we reflect on those who never made it home 22:46.390 --> 22:48.763 and honor those who are still in the fight. 22:49.710 --> 22:52.320 One of them is Ron Shurer who was inducted last year 22:52.320 --> 22:55.130 for his bravery in treating, saving, and evacuating 22:55.130 --> 22:57.080 soldiers on that same mission. 22:57.080 --> 22:59.170 The fact that we now have two Medal of Honor recipients 22:59.170 --> 23:01.963 from the same unit should just tell you how strongly 23:01.963 --> 23:06.410 our troops have embraced the attitude of team over self. 23:06.410 --> 23:09.570 It's this attitude that ensured every American 23:09.570 --> 23:12.550 in that April 6th battle returned home alive, 23:12.550 --> 23:13.940 and it's the reason we continue to be 23:13.940 --> 23:15.610 the strongest fighting force 23:15.610 --> 23:18.040 on the face of the planet earth. 23:18.040 --> 23:21.410 Many countries recognize bravery and heroism in battle, 23:21.410 --> 23:23.730 but not all for the same reasons. 23:23.730 --> 23:26.640 What distinguishes the United States is that we bestow 23:26.640 --> 23:29.980 our highest honor upon those who risk 23:29.980 --> 23:31.590 or lay down their lives in service 23:31.590 --> 23:34.390 to the single principle that lies at the very heart 23:34.390 --> 23:36.763 of our nation's founding: freedom. 23:37.730 --> 23:40.020 This is the very principle that has sustained 23:40.020 --> 23:42.560 America's role as a beacon of light and justice 23:42.560 --> 23:44.720 around the world for centuries. 23:44.720 --> 23:46.910 Heroes such as Matt are the nation's 23:46.910 --> 23:48.423 foremost defenders of freedom. 23:49.490 --> 23:51.610 I recently returned from Afghanistan where I witnessed 23:51.610 --> 23:53.910 our troops' fierce commitment to team and mission 23:53.910 --> 23:55.220 above all else. 23:55.220 --> 23:58.170 I saw Matt's valor and integrity reflected in each of them. 23:59.070 --> 24:01.620 President Dwight Eisenhower, a great American hero himself, 24:01.620 --> 24:05.370 once said quote history does not long entrust the care 24:05.370 --> 24:07.820 of freedom to the weak or the timid, 24:07.820 --> 24:11.120 and we certainly have no weak or timid here today. 24:11.120 --> 24:13.360 We face many challenges and threats across the globe, 24:13.360 --> 24:15.390 but with men and women like Matt 24:15.390 --> 24:16.850 and the rest of his team in our ranks, 24:16.850 --> 24:20.890 I know, I know that freedom will always be in good hands. 24:20.890 --> 24:23.290 Matt, on behalf of the entire Department of Defense, 24:23.290 --> 24:26.100 thank you, thank you for your selfless service, 24:26.100 --> 24:28.210 thank you for your courage and your bravery. 24:28.210 --> 24:31.040 Today, you take your place among the best 24:31.040 --> 24:32.970 and the bravest in our history. 24:32.970 --> 24:36.150 Now, it would be my great honor to induct you 24:36.150 --> 24:37.960 into the Hall of Heroes. 24:37.960 --> 24:41.433 Thank you. (audience applauding) 24:55.093 --> 25:00.093 (men chatting) (audience applauding) 25:09.350 --> 25:10.320 - [Emcee] Ladies and gentlemen, 25:10.320 --> 25:12.783 please remain seated during the presentations. 25:17.460 --> 25:19.970 The President of the United States of America, 25:19.970 --> 25:24.310 authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863 25:24.310 --> 25:27.300 has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor 25:27.300 --> 25:31.826 to Master Sergeant Matthew O. Williams, United States Army 25:31.826 --> 25:35.350 for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk 25:35.350 --> 25:37.963 of his life, above and beyond the call of duty. 25:39.570 --> 25:42.300 Sergeant Matthew O. Williams distinguished himself 25:42.300 --> 25:45.370 by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond 25:45.370 --> 25:48.960 the call of duty on April 6th, 2008 25:48.960 --> 25:50.830 while serving as a weapons sergeant, 25:50.830 --> 25:55.530 Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha, 3336, 25:55.530 --> 25:58.450 Special Operations Task Force 33 25:58.450 --> 26:00.963 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 26:02.820 --> 26:05.230 Sergeant Williams was part of an assault element 26:05.230 --> 26:09.301 inserted by helicopter into a location in Afghanistan. 26:09.301 --> 26:12.260 As the assault element was moving up a mountain 26:12.260 --> 26:15.440 toward its objective, it was engaged by intense enemy 26:15.440 --> 26:19.830 machine gun, sniper, and rocket-propelled grenade fire. 26:19.830 --> 26:21.660 The lead portion of the assault element, 26:21.660 --> 26:23.600 which included the ground commander, 26:23.600 --> 26:26.380 sustained several casualties and became pinned down 26:26.380 --> 26:28.670 on the sheer mountainside. 26:28.670 --> 26:31.170 Sergeant Williams, upon hearing that the lead element 26:31.170 --> 26:33.460 had sustained casualties and was in danger 26:33.460 --> 26:36.550 of being overrun, braved intense enemy fire 26:36.550 --> 26:38.590 to lead a counterattack across a valley 26:38.590 --> 26:41.300 of ice-covered boulders and a fast-moving, 26:41.300 --> 26:43.683 ice-cold, and waist-deep river. 26:44.930 --> 26:48.090 Under withering fire, Sergeant Williams and his local, 26:48.090 --> 26:51.170 national commandos fought up the terrorist mountainside 26:51.170 --> 26:52.703 to the besieged element. 26:53.650 --> 26:55.920 Arriving at the lead element's position, 26:55.920 --> 26:58.500 Sergeant Williams arrayed his Afghan commandos 26:58.500 --> 27:00.840 to provide suppressive fire which kept 27:00.840 --> 27:04.290 the insurgent fighters from overrunning the position. 27:04.290 --> 27:06.150 When the team sergeant was wounded, 27:06.150 --> 27:08.670 Sergeant Williams braved enemy fire once again 27:08.670 --> 27:11.410 to provide buddy aid and to move the team sergeant 27:11.410 --> 27:12.730 down the sheer mountainside 27:12.730 --> 27:14.433 to the casualty collection point. 27:15.940 --> 27:18.340 Sergeant Williams then fought and climbed his way 27:18.340 --> 27:20.320 back up the mountainside to help defend 27:20.320 --> 27:22.860 the lead assault element that had still 27:22.860 --> 27:25.923 several serious casualties in need of evacuation. 27:26.930 --> 27:29.150 Sergeant Williams directed suppressive fire 27:29.150 --> 27:32.410 and exposed himself to enemy fire in order to reestablish 27:32.410 --> 27:35.343 the team's critical satellite radio communications. 27:36.330 --> 27:38.120 He then assisted with moving the wounded 27:38.120 --> 27:39.860 down the near-vertical mountainside 27:39.860 --> 27:42.320 to the casualty collection point. 27:42.320 --> 27:44.910 Noting that the collection point was about to be overrun 27:44.910 --> 27:47.450 by enemy fighters, Sergeant Williams led 27:47.450 --> 27:49.460 the Afghan commandos in a counterattack 27:49.460 --> 27:51.243 that lasted for several hours. 27:52.880 --> 27:55.610 When helicopters arrived to evacuate the wounded, 27:55.610 --> 27:58.960 Sergeant Williams again exposed himself to enemy fire, 27:58.960 --> 28:01.730 carrying and loading casualties onto the helicopters 28:01.730 --> 28:04.234 while continuing to direct commando firepower 28:04.234 --> 28:06.963 to suppress numerous insurgent positions. 28:08.380 --> 28:11.130 His actions enabled the patrol to evacuate wounded 28:11.130 --> 28:14.300 and dead comrades without further casualties. 28:14.300 --> 28:17.430 Sergeant Williams' complete disregard for his own safety 28:17.430 --> 28:19.700 and his concern for the safety of his teammates 28:19.700 --> 28:22.880 ensured the survival of four critically-wounded soldiers 28:22.880 --> 28:25.380 and prevented the lead element of the assault force 28:25.380 --> 28:27.183 from being overrun by the enemy. 28:28.250 --> 28:30.037 Sergeant Williams' actions are in keeping 28:30.037 --> 28:32.660 with the finest traditions of military service 28:32.660 --> 28:35.280 and reflect great credit upon himself, 28:35.280 --> 28:39.120 Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan, 28:39.120 --> 28:41.370 Special Operations Command - Central, 28:41.370 --> 28:42.963 and the United States Army. 28:45.919 --> 28:49.086 (audience applauding) 29:26.710 --> 29:30.300 At this time, the Medal of Honor flag will be presented. 29:30.300 --> 29:34.830 On 23 October 2002, Public Law 107-248, 29:36.450 --> 29:40.180 Section 8143 established the Medal of Honor flag 29:40.180 --> 29:42.100 to recognize service members who have 29:42.100 --> 29:44.440 distinguished themselves by gallantry in action 29:44.440 --> 29:46.303 above and beyond the call of duty. 29:47.140 --> 29:49.660 The Medal of Honor flag commemorates the sacrifice 29:49.660 --> 29:52.560 and bloodshed for our freedoms and gives emphasis 29:52.560 --> 29:54.670 to the Medal of Honor being the highest award 29:54.670 --> 29:57.520 for valor by an individual serving in the armed forces 29:57.520 --> 29:59.150 of the United States. 29:59.150 --> 30:01.580 The light blue color with gold fringe bearing 30:01.580 --> 30:05.063 13 white stars are adapted from the Medal of Honor ribbon. 30:11.620 --> 30:14.787 (audience applauding) 30:41.539 --> 30:44.020 The Medal of Honor plaque will now be unveiled, 30:44.020 --> 30:46.973 inducting Master Sergeant Williams into the Hall of Heroes. 30:50.007 --> 30:53.174 (audience applauding) 31:13.130 --> 31:16.820 Thank you Secretary Esper, Secretary McCarthy, 31:16.820 --> 31:19.660 General Milley, General McConville, 31:19.660 --> 31:22.473 Sergeant Major Grinston, and Mrs. Williams. 31:27.580 --> 31:32.132 Ladies and gentlemen, Master Sergeant Matthew O. Williams. 31:32.132 --> 31:35.299 (audience applauding) 31:45.710 --> 31:48.020 - Distinguished guests, my family and friends, 31:48.020 --> 31:51.070 thank you for joining me for this very special occasion. 31:51.070 --> 31:54.070 I'm truly humbled to be standing here before you. 31:54.070 --> 31:56.400 Growing up in Texas with caring, loving parents, 31:56.400 --> 31:58.750 I was taught humility at a young age. 31:58.750 --> 32:00.450 My mom was a nurse, but my dad worked 32:00.450 --> 32:02.550 in the oil and gas industry, 32:02.550 --> 32:04.520 and they knew about hard work. 32:04.520 --> 32:05.883 I watched and I learned. 32:07.130 --> 32:09.663 Dad was always mentoring, and mom backed him up. 32:10.680 --> 32:13.057 Both taught me never to quit, to be a person of trust, 32:13.057 --> 32:16.823 and to value hard work, ethics, and modesty. 32:18.020 --> 32:19.620 Later, I discovered these are traits 32:19.620 --> 32:21.453 of an excellent person and a leader, 32:24.160 --> 32:26.210 all of which I carry with me in my life today 32:26.210 --> 32:28.623 as a soldier and my newest role as a dad. 32:30.090 --> 32:31.990 I'm so grateful for parents who always encouraged me 32:31.990 --> 32:33.870 to serve my country, 32:33.870 --> 32:36.694 yet the Army wasn't my first choice. 32:36.694 --> 32:39.394 I actually planned to work in federal law enforcement, 32:40.390 --> 32:42.883 but when 9/11 happened, my plans changed. 32:44.170 --> 32:47.440 Though my decision to join the Army was driven by purpose, 32:47.440 --> 32:48.633 it was not a hasty one. 32:49.620 --> 32:50.890 I did a lot of research, 32:50.890 --> 32:53.090 and I eventually found the 18 x-ray program 32:53.090 --> 32:55.910 offered by the U.S. Army Special Forces, 32:55.910 --> 32:58.290 the unit of the famous Green Berets. 32:58.290 --> 33:00.333 I knew that this was the right fit for me. 33:02.010 --> 33:03.920 I simply told my parents that I was signing up 33:03.920 --> 33:05.763 to be the best of the best. 33:07.100 --> 33:09.160 There was no going back, and at this point, 33:09.160 --> 33:12.750 I had no backup plan, (laughs) 33:12.750 --> 33:15.853 (audience laughing) and I was all in. 33:16.960 --> 33:18.220 I had every intent on earning 33:18.220 --> 33:19.770 the highly-coveted green beret, 33:21.325 --> 33:22.560 but little did I know that that decision 33:22.560 --> 33:25.010 would impact the rest of my life. 33:25.010 --> 33:28.260 The amazing people, many of whom are with us today, 33:28.260 --> 33:29.760 have blessed my life. 33:29.760 --> 33:33.850 My brothers assigned to ODA 3336 remind me 33:33.850 --> 33:36.160 of how important it is to never quit, 33:36.160 --> 33:37.477 who taught me to be a person of trust 33:37.477 --> 33:40.003 and to value hard work, ethics, and modesty. 33:41.670 --> 33:44.040 These brothers are my extended family, 33:44.040 --> 33:46.620 and I'm so proud to recognize them today. 33:46.620 --> 33:47.540 If you guys could please stand, 33:47.540 --> 33:49.818 and give them a round of applause. 33:49.818 --> 33:52.985 (audience applauding) 34:11.100 --> 34:16.100 This medal is dedicated to you, my brothers of ODA 3336, 34:16.110 --> 34:19.670 the 3rd Special Forces Group, the Green Berets, 34:19.670 --> 34:22.820 U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, 34:22.820 --> 34:24.470 and all those who went before us. 34:26.010 --> 34:30.090 For Special Operational Detachment Alpha 3336, 34:30.090 --> 34:32.760 we did our job, we were well-trained, 34:32.760 --> 34:34.610 and we trusted one another. 34:34.610 --> 34:36.410 That is why I'm standing here today. 34:37.490 --> 34:41.890 ODA 3336 represents one of the most cohesive teams 34:41.890 --> 34:43.240 our country has ever known. 34:44.370 --> 34:46.620 We were selected, trained, and equipped 34:46.620 --> 34:48.660 to conduct operations like no other force 34:48.660 --> 34:49.960 in the United States Army. 34:51.160 --> 34:52.210 Thanks to the cadre in the 34:52.210 --> 34:53.930 Special Forces Qualification Course, 34:53.930 --> 34:57.240 our journey began with the highest degree of preparation. 34:57.240 --> 34:59.300 Little did we know that a slated hilltop, 34:59.300 --> 35:02.800 April 6th, 2008 would test that we'd learned, 35:02.800 --> 35:04.850 especially our trust and our brotherhood. 35:06.140 --> 35:10.700 Dad was right; being a person of trust builds strong bonds. 35:10.700 --> 35:14.850 That's exactly what made up ODA 3336. 35:14.850 --> 35:16.441 We developed trust through rigorous training 35:16.441 --> 35:20.140 and tasks at hand, whether training Afghan commandos 35:20.140 --> 35:22.770 to conduct small unit tactics or conducting raids 35:22.770 --> 35:25.990 on high-value targets throughout Afghanistan. 35:25.990 --> 35:28.140 We trusted one another to get the job done. 35:29.330 --> 35:32.040 Facing overwhelming odds in the worst of situations, 35:32.040 --> 35:34.623 no one in ODA 3336 wavered. 35:35.490 --> 35:38.040 We harnessed the trust for one another that we developed 35:38.040 --> 35:40.650 over months of training and preparation. 35:40.650 --> 35:43.163 We trusted that our medic, Ron Shurer, 35:44.500 --> 35:46.210 had the training and mindset to care for 35:46.210 --> 35:50.280 four wounded Americans, all while taking overwhelming fire. 35:50.280 --> 35:53.890 We trusted that our combat controller, Zach Rhyner, 35:53.890 --> 35:56.040 who called on precision air strikes 35:56.040 --> 35:59.533 with multiple air assets to suppress and destroy the enemy. 36:00.790 --> 36:03.881 We trusted our sniper, Seth Howard, would eliminate threats 36:03.881 --> 36:06.373 and allow us to safely move wounded brothers. 36:07.500 --> 36:08.980 We never quit. 36:08.980 --> 36:10.770 Even faced by our own mortality, 36:10.770 --> 36:12.403 we fought and lived another day. 36:14.520 --> 36:16.030 We are trusted by our nation, 36:16.030 --> 36:17.840 and we trust in our leaders to ensure 36:17.840 --> 36:19.970 we are properly prepared, equipped, 36:19.970 --> 36:22.470 and trained for success. 36:22.470 --> 36:24.770 That trust is what makes our organization great 36:24.770 --> 36:26.223 and unmatched in what we do. 36:27.660 --> 36:29.340 There are dozens of stories of the men 36:29.340 --> 36:31.680 of 3rd Special Forces Group taking heroic actions 36:31.680 --> 36:34.473 for their brothers, their unit, and their country, 36:35.440 --> 36:36.883 most of which go unheard. 36:38.090 --> 36:41.920 The story of ODA 3336 is a strong testament 36:41.920 --> 36:42.870 to our brotherhood. 36:43.710 --> 36:45.910 There was no other option on that mountain, 36:45.910 --> 36:47.870 and we did our job with well-trained 36:47.870 --> 36:49.203 and trusted teammates, 36:50.270 --> 36:52.063 and I always trusted my teammates. 36:54.220 --> 36:57.560 Now, as a team sergeant on 3rd Special Forces Group, 36:57.560 --> 37:01.000 I have the great opportunity to lead a cohesive team. 37:01.000 --> 37:03.390 I get to use the invaluable lessons of my first trip 37:03.390 --> 37:07.640 to Afghanistan with ODA 3336 and other operations 37:07.640 --> 37:09.690 to serve my teammates, the Army, 37:09.690 --> 37:11.873 the armed forces, and our country. 37:13.002 --> 37:16.920 After 14 years of service, my wife, young son, 37:16.920 --> 37:19.630 and our families now put trust in me to ensure 37:19.630 --> 37:21.280 that my current detachment is well-trained 37:21.280 --> 37:23.233 to deploy and return home safely. 37:25.110 --> 37:28.570 Being a person of trust promotes a unit of trust, 37:28.570 --> 37:30.613 and I'll continue that philosophy. 37:32.285 --> 37:35.620 Again, thank you all for being here today, 37:35.620 --> 37:36.916 and for all the Green Berets around the world 37:36.916 --> 37:39.813 quietly doing the work of our nation, thank you. 37:41.170 --> 37:45.290 I wear this medal for the great men of ODA 3336, 37:45.290 --> 37:48.507 3rd Special Forces Group, the Green Berets, 37:48.507 --> 37:52.000 the U.S. Special Operations Forces, 37:52.000 --> 37:54.060 and all those who went before us. 37:54.060 --> 37:57.693 Thank you all. (audience applauding) 38:24.620 --> 38:26.853 - [Emcee] Thank you Master Sergeant Williams. 38:29.120 --> 38:31.440 Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing 38:31.440 --> 38:33.900 and join in the singing of the Army Song. 38:33.900 --> 38:36.700 The words to the Army Song can be found in your program. 38:38.955 --> 38:43.433 ♪ March along, sing our song ♪ 38:43.433 --> 38:47.695 ♪ With the Army of the free ♪ 38:47.695 --> 38:51.890 ♪ Count the brave, count the true ♪ 38:51.890 --> 38:56.046 ♪ Who have fought to victory ♪ 38:56.046 --> 39:00.440 ♪ We're the Army and proud of our name ♪ 39:00.440 --> 39:04.833 ♪ We're the Army and proudly proclaim ♪ 39:04.833 --> 39:07.071 ♪ First to fight for the right ♪ 39:07.071 --> 39:09.184 ♪ And to build the nation's might ♪ 39:09.184 --> 39:13.504 ♪ And the Army goes rolling along ♪ 39:13.504 --> 39:15.704 ♪ Proud of all we have done ♪ 39:15.704 --> 39:17.910 ♪ Fighting till the battle's won ♪ 39:17.910 --> 39:22.314 ♪ And the Army goes rolling along ♪ 39:22.314 --> 39:24.794 ♪ Then it's hi, hi, hey! ♪ 39:24.794 --> 39:27.157 ♪ The Army's on its way ♪ 39:27.157 --> 39:31.056 ♪ Count off the cadence loud and strong ♪ 39:31.056 --> 39:35.532 ♪ For where e'er we go, you will always know ♪ 39:35.532 --> 39:39.782 ♪ That the Army goes rolling along ♪ 39:41.194 --> 39:44.361 (audience applauding) 39:49.330 --> 39:50.430 - [Emcee] Ladies and gentlemen, 39:50.430 --> 39:52.370 please pause for a moment at your seats 39:52.370 --> 39:54.110 to allow the official party, 39:54.110 --> 39:55.600 Master Sergeant Williams' family, 39:55.600 --> 39:57.033 to exit the auditorium. 40:12.690 --> 40:15.130 Ladies and gentlemen, please join in congratulating 40:15.130 --> 40:17.730 Master Sergeant Williams behind the auditorium. 40:17.730 --> 40:19.570 Please continue to remain at your seats 40:19.570 --> 40:21.680 until your row has been released. 40:21.680 --> 40:24.253 Thank you, this concludes today's ceremony.