Master Sergeant Thomas D. Maholic, a distinguished team sergeant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was killed in action on June 24, 2006, in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan near the village of Ghecko. He was fatally struck by enemy small arms fire during a cordon and search operation—a mission he led with the same courage, precision, and dedication that had defined his career.
A native of Bradford, Pennsylvania, MSG Maholic began his military service in 1991 as an infantryman with the Pennsylvania National Guard. That same year, he transitioned to active duty, serving with the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry at Fort Kobbe, Panama. In 1993, he volunteered for Special Forces, graduating from the rigorous Special Forces Qualification Course in 1995 and subsequently joining the 1st Battalion, 7th SFG (A) as a Special Forces medical sergeant.
Over the course of his exemplary career, MSG Maholic served in a variety of critical roles, including as an Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course instructor at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In April 2005, he returned to operational duty as a team sergeant with 2nd Battalion, 7th SFG (A), continuing to lead from the front until the day he made the ultimate sacrifice.
MSG Maholic’s military education was extensive and reflective of his commitment to excellence. His training included the Special Forces Qualification Course, Combat Diver Qualification and Supervisor Courses, Advanced Special Operations Techniques Course, Air Assault Course, SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape), and both the winter and summer Mountain Warfare Schools. He also completed both Basic and Advanced Airborne training and was a graduate of the Spanish Language Course.
Throughout his career, MSG Maholic was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. Posthumously, he was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry in action, the Bronze Star Medal for valor, the Bronze Star Medal for service, the Purple Heart, an additional Meritorious Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
On the morning of June 24, 2006, MSG Maholic exemplified the highest traditions of military service. His leadership during the engagement ensured the safety and cohesion of his team under fire. In his final moments, he demonstrated unwavering resolve, selfless service, and a steadfast commitment to his mission and his men.
Master Sergeant Maholic’s legacy endures—not only through the awards he earned or the missions he completed, but through the lives of the soldiers he led, mentored, and inspired. His professionalism, humility, and quiet strength left a profound impact on the Special Forces community and the U.S. Army as a whole.
He is remembered as a dedicated soldier, a trusted leader, and a man of integrity who embodied the motto of the Special Forces: De Oppresso Liber—“To Free the Oppressed.”
Master Sergeant Thomas D. Maholic gave everything in service to his country. May his sacrifice never be forgotten.

THOMAS DONALD MAHOLIC

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