Secretary William Matz

Retired Maj. Gen. William M. Matz, Jr. is Secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC). The ABMC is an agency of the executive branch of the federal government, honoring the service, achievements and sacrifices of the U.S. armed forces abroad since April 6, 1917. ABMC manages and maintains 26 cemeteries and 30 federal memorials, monuments, and commemorative markers throughout the world. The commission also maintains three memorials in the United States.

Secretary Matz coordinated the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings on June 6, 2019, commemorated at the Normandy American Cemetery and attended by President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and thousands of members of the public, Veterans, and their families. 

Appointed by President Donald J. Trump on January 8, 2018, Secretary Matz is a decorated Vietnam combat infantry Veteran. Secretary Matz earned his B.A. in Political Science at Gettysburg College, an M.A. in International Relations from the University of San Diego, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. Matz has been active in Veterans’ and Military affairs since leaving the Army and is a member of the Eisenhower Institute National Advisory Council. He is also on the Board of Directors of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association.