The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Matthew S. McGraw, United States Navy for service as set forth in the following citation:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as a Ground Force Commander for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 2 September 2009 to 17 September 2009. During this period, Lieutenant Commander McGraw’s great battlefield courage, superior performance and combat leadership during the planning, rehearsal, and execution of a direct-action mission in a denied region resulted in the elimination of several enemy combatants. On 14 September 2009, Lieutenant Commander McGraw heroically led the assault force, providing command and control and effective lethal fire from an exposed position on a MH-6 helicopter. His actions suppressed the target vehicle which contained heavily armed enemy fighters, including the targeted high value individual. By his dynamic direction, keen judgement, and loyal devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander McGraw reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

For the President,
Vice Admiral W.H. McRaven, United States Navy
Commander, Joint Special Operations Command

Matt McGraw was raised in Upper Arlington, Ohio and graduated from Upper Arlington Highschool in 1993 and from The Ohio State University in 1998 with a dual bachelor’s degree in criminology and international studies. Matt was commissioned in the Navy from Officer Candidate School on December 18th, 1998, and started Basic Underwater Demolition / SEAL Training in January 1999, finishing in Class 231. Matt served in various East Coast SEAL Teams and as an exchange officer with the British Special Boat Service. Among other valorous awards, he received three Bronze Stars with “V” device and a Joint Service Commendation Medal with “V” device. Captain McGraw served this country on twenty operational deployments and retired on March 1st, 2024 as a Navy Captain.