Explosive Ordnance Disposal Master Chief (EODCM Ret.) William Dow Nesbitt began his distinguished career in the United States Navy on December 25, 1984, departing from his parents’ home in Cave City, Arkansas, to begin Navy Recruit Training. Over a career that spanned nearly three decades, Master Chief Nesbitt demonstrated exemplary courage, leadership, and dedication across eight combat deployments, receiving numerous commendations for bravery and operational expertise.

Master Chief Nesbitt’s service included participation in Operation Earnest Will (1987/88), Operation Desert Storm (1991), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003, 2005, 06, 07, 08), and Operation Enduring Freedom (2009). His valor and leadership were recognized with three Bronze Star Medals, each with a Combat "V” device, the Meritorious Service Medal, five Navy Commendation Medals with Combat "V” devices, the Navy Achievement Medal, and four Navy Combat Action Ribbons (CAR) for participation in four separate armed conflicts while on active duty.

In the late 1980s, during "Operation Earnest Will,” Nesbitt was awarded his first Navy Commendation Medal with combat "V” for heroism. In a live minefield, he and his team risked their lives to neutralize 14 hostile anti-ship moored contact mines, ensuring safe passage for essential shipping routes. His actions were acknowledged by then-Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci, setting the standard for courage under fire.

Nesbitt’s first Bronze Star with combat "V” was awarded during Operation Desert Storm, where he conducted high-risk closed circuit mixed-gas dives to disarm mines in the treacherous waters of Mine Danger Area Nine.  During Desert Storm, he and his teammates from EOD Mobile Unit SIX disarmed and destroyed 72 moored contact and bottom influence type mines.  This feat had never previously been accomplished in the history of the US Navy.  Later, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, he led a specialized, multi-agency team—the Combined Explosives Exploitation Cell (CEXC)—focused on countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs). His team’s work in Baghdad, Iraq, yielded crucial intelligence and neutralized countless threats, saving Coalition Forces and civilians. His leadership during these missions was acknowledged with a second Bronze Star.

On subsequent deployments to Anbar Province, Iraq, Nesbitt led EOD Mobile Unit THREE’s Platoon 341 on 195 combat missions. Under his command, his team neutralized 40 enemy weapons caches, conducted route clearance and post-blast investigations, and rendered safe 24 IEDs, actions that earned him a third Bronze Star.

In his final Navy assignment, Nesbitt served as the National Program Director for Naval Special Warfare and Naval Special Operations, overseeing the recruitment of Navy SEALS, EOD, Divers, Air Rescue, and SWCC candidates. During his tenure in this position, Master Chief Nesbitt recruited and selected more than 4,500 Naval Special Warfare/Special Operations recruits from 26 districts nationwide.  These efforts of hand selecting candidates as a "best fit/most qualified” draft process increased the "pass and remain” through the preparatory schools of each program from 28% to 91%.  His achievements in shaping these elite units were honored with the Meritorious Service Medal.

Following his military service, Master Chief Nesbitt committed himself to supporting others by pursuing degrees in Psychology and Social Work, having previously earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and Forensics Techniques while on active duty.  He further completed an associate’s degree in culinary arts achieving a lifelong goal to become a Chef. He now practices as an outpatient therapist while working toward his Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential, with the goal of further serving the mental health needs of others. His dedication to giving back remains strong, with a focus on working with veterans and their families.

Through all of his accomplishments and decorations, he is most proud of his "Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal” for serving as President of Little League Baseball’s California District 33 in the San Diego area from 1999-2002.  During this time, he coached/mentored more than 2,500 local youth baseball/softball players ranging in ages 5-13. 

Master Chief William Dow Nesbitt’s career embodies dedication, courage, and a lifelong commitment to service, making him a deserving candidate for board membership in the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame.