William Joseph Woitowicz
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

On 7 June 2011, then-Sergeant William Joseph Woitowicz was serving with the Second Marine Special Operations Battalion while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that day, as friendly elements moved south, the rear elements were pinned down while crossing the danger area. Sgt Woitowicz, realizing his teammates lives were in jeopardy, ignored his own safety, scaled a rock wall, and began to engage the enemy with his Squad Automatic Weapon, allowing his teammates to maneuver to safety. As Sgt Woitowicz continued his suppression and attempted to return back over the wall, he received a fatal shot to the abdomen from enemy fire. Sgt Woitowicz's actions under fire proved to be the deciding factor that ultimately led the assault force to repel the enemy attack. Sgt Woitowicz’s selfless and courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Marine Corps' third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant William J. Woitowicz, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving with the Second Marine Special Operations Battalion on 7 June 2011, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. As friendly elements moved south, the rear elements were pinned down while crossing the danger area. Realizing his teammates lives were in jeopardy and with total disregard for his own safety, he scaled a rock wall and began to engage the enemy with his Squad Automatic Weapon, allowing his teammates to maneuver to safety. As he continued suppression and attempted to return back over the wall, Sergeant Woitowicz received a fatal shot to the abdomen from enemy fire. His actions under fire proved to be the deciding factor that ultimately led the assault force to repel the enemy attack.

Burial

Sergeant William Joseph Woitowicz is buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Westford, Middlesex County, MA, in Section E, Lot 45.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/71027491/william-joseph-woitowicz