Science
Jun 18, 20261
69%
Major Nicholas Dockery Receives Medal of Honor for Heroism in Afghanistan
Major Nicholas Dockery, a U.S. Army Special Forces officer from Indianapolis, Indiana, has been awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions as a platoon leader during a 2012 deployment in Afghanistan. Dockery, a West Point graduate and recipient of two Silver Stars, is recognized for his selfless bravery in combat, culminating in the nation's highest military honor.




Quick Facts
Who
Major Nicholas Dockery
What
Received Medal of Honor
When
2004
Where
Indianapolis, Indiana
- Received Medal of Honor
- deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
- earned Silver Star upgraded to Medal of Honor
- commanded Operational Detachment Alpha 744
- received second Silver Star for Battle of Faryab Province
Major Nicholas Dockery, a U.S. Army Special Forces officer from Indianapolis, Indiana, has been awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor, for his extraordinary heroism during combat operations in Afghanistan. The award, announced by the Department of Defense, recognizes Dockery's selfless actions as a platoon leader in 2012 during the war in Afghanistan.
Dockery, 39, was raised by his grandmother and graduated from St. John’s Military School in Salina, Kansas. After his application to West Point was rejected in 2004, he enlisted as an infantryman in the Indiana Army National Guard. He later transferred to the New Mexico Army National Guard, attended the New Mexico Military Institute, and was eventually accepted to West Point, graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science and a commission into the infantry.
Following his commission, Dockery was assigned to 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, and deployed to Afghanistan in summer 2012 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As a platoon leader in Kunar and Kapisa Provinces, he served alongside Special Forces teams training and advising host nation forces. His actions during this deployment initially earned him a Silver Star, which was later upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
Dockery deployed again to Afghanistan in 2014 as a company executive officer in Zabul Province, overseeing base defense operations. In 2015, after completing the Special Forces Assessment and Selection program and the Special Forces Qualification Course, he earned his green beret and was assigned to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. There, he commanded Operational Detachment Alpha 744.
During a 2018 deployment in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Dockery advised Afghan commando units and conducted ground force clearing operations across Balkh, Faryab, and Jowzjan Provinces. His actions during the Battle of Faryab Province earned him a second Silver Star, making him the only commissioned Army officer to receive the Silver Star twice since September 11, 2001. Dockery is also the 2017 recipient of the West Point Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms.
A ceremony to present the Medal of Honor will be held at the White House, followed by a Hall of Heroes induction at the Pentagon. Dockery’s military career includes multiple deployments, advanced training, and key roles in bilateral operations in Costa Rica and Colombia, reflecting his dedication to service and leadership.
Why This Matters
Nicholas Dockery's Medal of Honor is a rare acknowledgment of sustained heroism across multiple combat deployments, highlighting the exceptional valor and leadership of U.S. Special Forces soldiers. For military professionals, it underscores the importance of resilience, advanced training, and personal sacrifice in high-risk environments. For the general public, this story serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the extraordinary individuals who serve.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2004
WireDockery enlists in Indiana Army National Guard after West Point rejection
Jan 1, 2005
WireTransfers to New Mexico Army National Guard and enters ROTC program
Jan 1, 2011
WireGraduates from West Point, commissioned as infantry officer
Jan 1, 2014
WireSecond deployment to Afghanistan as company executive officer in Zabul Province
Jan 1, 2015
WireCompletes Special Forces Assessment and Selection, earns green beret
Jan 1, 2017
WireReceives West Point Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms
Jan 1, 2018
WireDeploys with ODA 744, earns second Silver Star in Battle of Faryab Province
Jun 18, 2026
WireMedal of Honor announced; ceremony to be held at White House
Entities
- Kunar Province, Afghanistan
- New Mexico Army National Guard
- Indiana Army National Guard
- 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
- Fort Benning, Georgia
- Fort Carson, Colorado
- Faryab Province, Afghanistan
- Salina, Kansas
- West Point, New York
- Jowzjan Province, Afghanistan
- Nicholas Dockery
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
- Zabul Province, Afghanistan
- Balkh Province, Afghanistan
- U.S. Army
- Kapisa Province, Afghanistan