The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Patrick Charles Williams, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Physician’s Assistant on 31 August 2005, during military operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM III. Captain Williams’ courage and disregard for his own welfare resulted in saving the life of a fellow comrade who was severely wounded. His bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, Multi-National Corps Iraq, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
After spending just twenty-four hours on the ground prior to the combat reconnaissance patrol, Captain Patrick Williams volunteered to accompany soldiers from HHC 1-5 IN. With very little time to acclimatize, Captain Patrick Williams immediately chose to take part in the combat patrol and provide additional medical support. This decision would directly result in saving Staff Sergeant Nicholas Malich’s life. On 31 August 2005, the reconnaissance platoon from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, conducted an electronic reconnaissance patrol in the Intesar neighborhood in Mosul. During the patrol, the platoon leader, Lieutenant Scott Brandt received intelligence that a High Value Target (HVT) was in battalion area of operations. Upon locating the possible target house, the platoon, as well as Captain Patrick Williams dismounted to cordon off the objective area. As the platoon moved toward the entrance of the building, two AIF tossed grenades down the stairway at the squad entering the house. Simultaneously Staff Sergeant Malich’s squad was hit by automatic PKC fire from an elevated position causing life threatening wounds to Staff Sergeant Malich’s pectoral muscle and shoulder. Upon hearing the calls for help, Captain Williams moved to the entrance of the courtyard and immediately administered first aid. While treating Staff Sergeant Malich, Captain Williams and the rescue team were again engaged by the enemy with light machine gun weapons that impacted within a few feet of the rescue. Captain Williams immediately covered Staff Sergeant Malich’s body to shield him from the incoming fire while maintaining pressure on his wound. The platoon medic was shot in the right arm during this engagement leaving Captain Williams as the only medical personnel on the objective. During his initial treatment of Staff Sergeant Malich, Captain Williams realized that he could not get to the artery in order to stop the bleeding. While the rescue team maintained suppressive fire, Captain Williams made a three inch incision above the wound to locate the artery. Captain Williams’ split second decision to make a larger incision was successful enough to allow four fingers inside which in turn stopped the bleeding. Captain Patrick Williams held the artery closed during the entire evacuation process which lasted 30 minutes. If it were not for Captain Patrick Williams’ quick action, Staff Sergeant Malich would have bled to death in a short amount of time due to the large volume of blood he had lost prior to being treated. During the evacuation of one litter urgent patient and one walking wounded, Captain Williams provided simultaneous medical care in the back of a Stryker on the move. While continuing to maintain pressure on Staff Sergeant Malich’s artery, Captain Williams barked out instructions to the team concerning the care of Specialist Alvarez who was wounded in the army. Captain Patrick Williams maintained pressure on the wound throughout the entire transfer from the Stryker to the operating table. The 228th CSH on call surgeon stated that if it was not for his quick thinking and innovative techniques, there was no way Staff Sergeant Malich would have survived much less been able to keep his arm. Captain Williams’ courage under fire and quick thinking directly contributed to saving the life of Staff Sergeant Nicholas Malich. His actions truly represent the highest degree of valor and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment and the United States Army.