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, 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.