William Maud Bryant was born in Cochran, Georgia, in February 1933. However, he spent most of his young adulthood living with his uncle in Newark, New Jersey, where he graduated from Newark Vocational and Technical High School.
On March 16, 1953, Bryant enlisted in the U.S. Army from Detroit, Michigan. Throughout his military career, he completed various specialized training programs, including the Jumpmaster Course, the Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, and the Special Forces Airborne Course, all at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He also attended the Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol School in Augsburg, Germany.
By March 1969, Sergeant First Class Bryant was serving in Vietnam as the commanding officer of Civilian Irregular Defense Group Company 321, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Mobile Strike Force Command. According to his Medal of Honor citation, he demonstrated exceptional bravery during a fierce battle when his battalion was surrounded by enemy forces. Over the course of 34 hours of relentless combat, Bryant continuously moved through enemy fire to reinforce defenses, direct attacks, distribute ammunition, and assist wounded soldiers.
When a helicopter delivered an ammunition resupply, Bryant ran through intense enemy fire to retrieve and distribute the supplies. During a brief pause in combat, he led a reconnaissance patrol outside the perimeter, where his team came under heavy attack. Bryant single-handedly repelled one assault and inspired his men to fight off additional enemy advances. Spotting a wounded enemy soldier in the distance, he crawled under heavy fire to capture him for intelligence purposes. However, upon discovering the soldier was dead, he returned to his unit and resumed leading the defense.
As the battle continued, Bryant led another daring patrol in an attempt to break through enemy lines. Advancing approximately 200 meters, his team was pinned down by intense automatic weapons fire from fortified enemy bunkers. Despite suffering severe wounds, he rallied his men, coordinated helicopter gunship support, and directed suppressive fire against enemy positions. Following the airstrike, Bryant charged an enemy machine gun position, single-handedly eliminating three defenders. His courageous actions inspired his troops to push forward in the fight. While regrouping for a final assault, he was fatally struck by an enemy rocket.
Sergeant First Class Bryant’s extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and leadership went above and beyond the call of duty, embodying the highest values of military service. In recognition of his valor, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, which was presented to his parents at the White House on February 16, 1971.
In addition to the Medal of Honor, Bryant received numerous other commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, three Good Conduct Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He is laid to rest at Raleigh National Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina.
