Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician First Class

    Action Date:

    November 2007 – May 2008

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician First Class Nicholas A. Matics, United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader and Leading Petty Officer on board Explosive Ordnance Mobile Unit FIVE Detachment FIVE from November 2007 to May 2008 in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and the struggle against violent extremism. Petty Officer Matics provided explosive ordnance disposal support for 33,000 square miles of the Multi-National Force West Area of Responsibility, ensuring the safety and security of coalition forces and 460,000 citizens of the Al Anbar Province. Exercising mature judgment, he led his explosive ordnance team on 100 missions where the team prosecuted 13 Improvised Explosive Devices and 4 unexploded ordnance items, conducted 12 post blast analyses and exploited 46 weapons caches, which resulted in the destruction of over 21,000 pounds of enemy explosives. Additionally, Petty Officer Matics willingly exposed himself to great risk and conducted immediate hands-on procedures on Improvised Explosive Devices under the most hazardous conditions, including the threat of enemy controlled detonation. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Matics reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Petty Officer Matics is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)