Alumni

Matthew La Porte, Class of 2009

Cadet Matthew J. La Porte distinguished himself by heroism involving voluntary risk of life in Norris Hall on 16 April 2007. On that day, gunfire erupted in the hallway outside of Room 2011. Despite commands to the contrary, La Porte moved to the front of the room and barricaded the door with a large, heavy desk in an attempt to defend the class. When the shooter forced his way into the classtoom, La Porte unhesitatingly charged the shooter in an aggressive attempt to disarm him, drawing heavy fire at close range, and sustaining gunshot wounds. La Porte's actions helped save lives by slowing the shooter and taking fire that would have been directed at his classmates. For his actions, he was awarded the Airman's Medal posthumously in 2015.

Major Lloyd Williams, Class of 1907

Lloyd W. Williams served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps after his graduation from Tech in 1907 and completion of training, commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1909. During a WWI battle in France, Williams famously replied to a French officer's advisement to withdraw by saying, "Retreat? Hell! We just got here!" He would not, however, survive the ensuing battle. Posthumously promoted to the rank of major, Williams was recommended for the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, but was not awarded either. He did, however, receive three Silver Star citations. Major Williams Hall was named for him in 1957.