The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Department of the Army has awarded the Army Commendation Medal to Private First Class Matthew K. Swanson, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment for Meritorious Achievement while assigned as a driver in 2nd Platoon, D Company, 1-22 Infantry BN from November 4, 2004 to June 5, 2005.
The award states PFC Swanson's outstanding performance and professionalism reflect great credit upon himself, the "Regulars" and the United States Army.
Matt was recommended for this award based on his achievements as follows: #1. PFC Swanson's outstanding academic and military achievements won him the distinction of being one of only 26 active duty soldiers army-wide who were accepted into West Point's Class of 2009.
Achievement #2. PFC Swanson's excellent performance as driver for two different tank crews, in different platoons, aided both platoons in earning "distinguished" rating on their tank table XII qualifications.
His driving skills allowed both tanks to fire from a stable platform, which greatly improved each tank's accuracy when firing both in defense and on the move.
Achievement #3. PFC Swanson demonstrated unwavering devotion to duty by sacrificing numerous days of personal time to serve on multiple funeral details.
He volunteered for these details without complaint or hesitation. Once chosen for these details, PFC Swanson always devoted 100% of his efforts to competing the tasks at hand.
Achievement #4. PFC Swanson has served as a model soldier for his peers to follow. He has never faltered in his duties. He has never missed a formation. His uniform appearance always exceeds army standards. He always looks out for his fellow soldiers.
Even as an E3, PFC Swanson has demonstrated his potential for future leadership on numerous occasions.
Matthew has been appointed to The United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, class of 2009. Matt is home now visiting with family and friends and will be leaving at the end of June for West Point.
Matt said, "It's going to be different at West Point, but I'm in it till the finish."
Matthew's parents are Kyle and Denise Swanson, and his sister Alyssa of La Harpe. His grandparents are Rodney and Judy Swanson of La Harpe and Blaine and Mary Morrow of Statham, Georgia.