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Here is the thing about this story, if it weren't on the citation for the Medal of Honor, we could hardly believe the reality. Such were the actions of William Maud Bryant, Sergeant First Class, United States Army, 5th Special Forces Group. While commanding a group of Civilian Irregular Defense Group fighters, William was the force multiplier, doing anything and everything he could to ensure victory for himself and his men.While acting as the commanding officer of Civilian Irregular Defense Group Company 321, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Mobile Strike Force Command, William's Battalion came under intense enemy fire from three different enemy regiments. That's a lot of inbound firepower being rained down on friendly forces. Oh, but folks, William Maud Bryant was about to dish out a hell of his own to any of those seeking to break through his lines. Ammo resupply drops were made. The boxes of ammunition were scattered, Bryant crawled through a hail of enemy fire to retrieve the ammunition and distribute it accordingly to his men.What next? Well during a brief break in the battle, Sergeant First Class William Maud Bryant lead his men on an intel gathering patrol. They became engaged in another firefight. Single-handedly Bryant fought off one attack and through that inspired his men to repel by force, the other attacks. This was still just the beginning!
As they continued to drop bodies of the attacking enemy force, Sergeant First Class Bryant saw a wounded enemy and braved the gunfire AGAIN to capture the enemy soldier. It was for naught as the enemy had bled out and died. Upon returning to the company area and reorganizing and directing the defense, William Maud Bryant also organized a counterattack to break the enemy lines. They pushed forward for about 200 meters until they were met with a hail of automatic fire. Bryant was wounded, but it didn't stop him as he directed fire and helicopter gunship support on the enemy positions. Leading from the front, despite being severely wounded, William charged an enemy machine gun nest, he killed all three fighters. As he and his fighters regrouped, a rocket mortally wounded William Maud Bryant. For his actions he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.This Memorial Day, remember men such as these who've given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.Read more stories of American Grit:
