The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) William McDowell Matz, Jr. (ASN: OF-102228), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Captain Matz distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 1 February 1968 as the commander of an infantry company conducting an operation in the city of My Tho. Captain Matz’s unit was on a follow-and-support mission to three other companies. The company on the right met strong resistance as it moved through a complex of buildings near the My Tho reservoir. Its left flank platoon soon became heavily engaged with a large hostile force entrenched in a cemetery. Its other two platoons were unable to advance due to the intense enemy fire. Captain Matz’s company received orders to assist the beleaguered unit and assume its mission. As the company began to maneuver, it came under intense hostile fire from well-fortified enemy positions in the surrounding buildings. While directing his company in the attack, Captain Matz discovered four casualties pinned down by the withering fusillade. He immediately ran to the aid of one of the men, and was wounded in the arm as he dragged him to a safe position. Ignoring his painful injury, he made three more trips through heavy hostile fire to rescue the remaining men. After the casualties had been evacuated, he returned to the front of his unit with anti-tank weapons and directed their fire against the insurgents. Captain Matz’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
3d BattalionRegiment:
47th Infantry RegimentDivision:
9th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
December 4, 1967
Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2660 (April 23, 1968)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 (Infantry) William McDowell Matz, Jr. (ASN: OF-102228), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 4 December 1967, while serving as Commanding Officer, Company C, 3d Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during a reconnaissance in force mission in Dinh Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam. As the friendly force was making its way down a narrow canal, a well concealed Viet Cong force opened up with B-40 rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire. Despite the determined enemy effort to keep his company off the canal bank, Captain Matz landed and began directing his men through the enemy fire inland to establish a blocking position. When his radio telephone operator was hit and wounded, Captain Matz valiantly exposed himself to the continuing fire in order to direct effective artillery and gunship support against the fortified insurgent positions. During a second ambush later in the same day, Captain Matz again courageously exposed himself to hostile fire in order to run to the lead element and direct gunshnips and artillery. During the ten hours of fighting, his company was credited with five Viet Cong killed by body count and numerous probable kills. Captain Matz’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
August 15, 1988 – February 26, 1990
Department of the Army, Permanent Orders 24-1 (February 13, 1990)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General William McDowell Matz, Jr. (ASN: OF-102228), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the 7th Infantry Division (Light), and Fort Ord, Fort Ord, California, from 15 August 1988 to 26 February 1990. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Matz and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Action Date:
August 1985 – June 1987
Department of the Army, Permanent Orders 149-2, Amended by Permanent Orders 160-5 (September 17, 1987)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) William McDowell Matz, Jr. (ASN: OF-102228), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director of the Training Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans, during the period August 1985 to June 1987. Colonel Matz directed a staff of 55 personnel and provided managerial supervision over a 4 billion dollar training budget that supported the total Army. Colonel Matz’ personal involvement in virtually every facet of Army training will significantly impact the readiness of an Army fighting force that will remain ready to preserve the peace well into the next decade. He directed the resourcing and policy of the Flying Hour Program, OPTEMPO, and training ammunition. These important programs and countless others under his purview served to underscore the talents of his prestigious service. Colonel Matz served as mentor and leader to a staff that directed Army training worldwide, reflecting great credit on him, the Army Staff, and the United States Army.
-
Army Distinguished Service Medal
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General William McDowell Matz, Jr. (ASN: OF-102228), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States from June 1985 to May 1995, while serving in various positions of great responsibility culminating as Deputy Commanding General, I Corps and Fort Lewis. General Matz’ superior service contributions to our country’s victories culminated in Operation JUST CAUSE, which marked him as a warrior and leader whose efforts will be remembered throughout history. General Matz is preeminently an Army an Army man whose personal involvement and commitment to the goals and ideals of the Army are without equal. through General Matz’ deep personal pride and inspirational leadership, he was able to accomplish more than any other leader in recent history. General Matz consistently sought way to improve the quality and enjoyment of Army life with an uncommon perception to the morale and welfare needs of others. Collectively, his efforts at Fort Lewis represent a staggering achievement of lasting value. Major General Matz’ outstanding achievements are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on him and the United States Army.
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
February 1990 – November 1991
Department of the Army, Permanent Orders 181-3 (October 22, 1991)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General William McDowell Matz, Jr. (ASN: OF-102228), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, United States Army, Pacific, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, from February 1990 to November 1991. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Matz and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) William McDowell Matz, Jr. (ASN: OF-102228), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Matz and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.