Darrell Utt

Darrell Utt, a native of Huntington, West Virginia, has exemplified a lifelong commitment to excellence, sacrifice, and service. Rising from humble beginnings, Darrell's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination. After graduating from Vinson High School in 1990, he joined the U.S. Army, where he earned the coveted Ranger Tab and Green Beret, solidifying his place among the nation's elite warriors. Throughout his decorated military career, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Utt led high-stakes missions across some of the world’s most hostile environments, demonstrating tactical acumen, strategic thinking, and unyielding dedication to his country. His leadership as a Special Forces Team Sergeant during multiple combat rotations, including in Baghdad, Iraq, earned him widespread recognition. Darrell was awarded five Bronze Star Medals, including one with 'Valor' for heroic actions and leadership in 2006. His Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) was honored with the 2006 Larry Thorne Award for best operational detachment in the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and he was the sole recipient of the Robert T. Frederick Award for military excellence in 2007. Darrell also pursued academic excellence, earning a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College in 2008 and a Master of Arts in Intelligence Studies, with Honors, from American Public University in 2013. After retiring from the U.S. Army in January 2017, he continued his service to the nation in various capacities, and most recently served as the Chief of Operations at the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation in Texas for two and half years, where he continued to embody the values of courage, selfless service, duty, and loyalty. Today, Darrell resides in Denton County, Texas, with his wife, where he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of soldiers and Green Berets, sharing his wealth of experience and instilling a relentless pursuit of excellence through his newly published book, "Grit to Glory: A Green Beret's Journey from West Virginia to the Streets of Baghdad."