William Maud Bryant (February 16, 1933 â March 24, 1969) was a United States Army Special Forces soldier and a recipient of America's highest military decorationâÂÂthe Medal of HonorâÂÂfor his actions in the Vietnam War.
Bryant joined the Army from Detroit, Michigan in 1953. By March 24, 1969, he was serving as a Sergeant First Class in Company A of the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces. On that day, in Long Khanh Province, Republic of Vietnam, Bryant led a company of South Vietnamese CIDG troops during an intense attack by North Vietnamese forces until being fatally wounded by enemy fire. For his actions during the battle, Bryant was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1971.