Photo By Spc. Emmanuel Jeanmarie | Sgt. 1st Class Zachary A. Williams, an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo. - Sgt. 1st Class Zachary A. Williams, an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, was awarded the Staff Sgt. Marcario Garcia Leadership Award for exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to excellence in the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters at Fort Carson, Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
Staff Sgt. Marcario Garcia was the acting squad leader of Bravo Company, 22nd Infantry, during the allied invasion of Normandy in November 1944. Despite his painful wounds, Garcia refused medical evacuation and went on to kill multiple enemies while his company was pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire.
When he rejoined his company, a second machine-gun open fired and, again, Garcia went forward, utterly disregarding his safety. He fought on with his unit until the objective was taken. Only then did Garcia permit himself to be removed for medical care.
For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor with 27 other Soldiers at a White House ceremony Aug. 23, 1945, by President Harry S. Truman.
The Staff Sgt. Marcario Garcia Leadership Award recognizes non-commissioned officers who demonstrate the leadership attributes and competencies for which Garcia stood. Through hard work, dedication, integrity, and developing others to accomplish the mission, Garcia led by example.
Seven Soldiers across the Mountain Post were nominated for this prestigious recognition; Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Holder and Sgt. 1st Class Zachary A. Williams assigned to 1st. SBCT, 4th Inf. Div., Sgt. Sarah Crookham assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., Sgt. 1st Class Barajas Arturo and Sgt. Henry Noll assigned to 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., Staff Sgt. Destin Florence and Staff Sgt. Alexander Destin assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division Artillery.
“This awards ceremony is a great opportunity to celebrate our great non-commissioned officers from across the division and say thank you for your leadership,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Adam Nash, the senior enlisted leader of the 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson.
Williams was unaware of his nomination for the award until the ceremony and was at a loss for words to be recognized as the winner.
“This is surreal,” said Williams. “I am actually at a loss for words. It is an honor to be recognized as the same caliber of non-commission officer as Staff Sgt. Garcia.”
Williams received both a coin and a plaque from the 4th Inf. Div. Command Team. The Pike’s Peak Sgt. Maj. Association also provided an engraved bayonet.
“We want to be a part of giving recognition to those who deserve it,” said Scott Leeling, the Pike’s Peak Sergeant Major Association president. “It is our honor to give back to Ivy Soldiers who are representing honorably in the division. “
Williams is the second Soldier to be awarded the Staff Sgt. Garcia leadership award.
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| Date Taken: | 03.10.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 03.14.2022 11:54 |
| Story ID: | 416313 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 129 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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