William Dobbs

William "Billy" Dobbs enlisted in the Army in 1986, joining with the 2nd battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, serving as a Paratrooper. He later served with 101st Airborne Division, where he taught Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Warfare. In total, Dobbs served for 23 years, including Desert Storm.

In February 2003 Dobbs was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in country for 10 months. In August 2003, SGT Dobbs suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a result of a mortar blast, while serving in Iraq. The blast also left him with injuries to his back, neck and knee.

Along with the Purple Heart, SGT Dobbs was awarded numerous medals and commendations during his service, including the Army Achievement Medal the Iraqi Campaign Service medal with two bronze stars, the Combat Action Badge, and more.

U.S. Army Sergeant William “Billy” Dobbs represented his fellow Purple Heart heroes as Mississippi’s honoree during the 2023 Purple Heart Patriot Project Mission.