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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.

 

Share Your Wealth

Since its founding in 1872, the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets has developed thousands of leaders of exemplary character for the commonwealth and the country. With the help of alumni and friends, the Commandant and his staff work to continuously improve our excellent leadership-development program. Private support from alumni, parents of current cadets, and friends of the Corps is critical to our efforts to grow and improve. We invite you to become our partner to help continue our mission to train leaders and improve the future for all of our communities by supporting the Corps of Cadets in developing leaders for tomorrow.

If you wish to make a major gift, please call our development officer, Sandi R. Bliss at 800-533-1144 or 540-231-2892 or email at srbliss@vt.edu or visit University Development.