During the March–April 2003 attack to Baghdad
Lieutenant Colonel Scott Rutter led Task Force 2-7 Infantry, the “Willing and Able” battalion of the legendary Cottonbalers regiment, through a relentless 21-day campaign that would become one of the most intense and decisive large-scale combat operations of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Under Rutter’s command, the task force executed a series of high-risk, high-tempo operations from breaching the Iraqi border and fighting through urban ambushes in towns like Al Kindr and As Samawah, to seizing key terrain in the Karbala Gap and ultimately supporting the capture of Saddam International Airport and Baghdad.
Captain Matt Paul, the mortar platoon leader, played a pivotal role in providing responsive and lethal indirect fire support throughout the campaign. A seasoned and technically proficient officer, Paul was known for his critical thinking and perfectionism. His actions exemplified the initiative and courage that defined the unit’s success. The achievements of Task Force 2-7 Infantry were not the result of leadership alone—they were forged by the grit, discipline, and brotherhood of every soldier in the formation. From tankers and infantrymen to medics and mechanics, these Damn Fine Soldiers upheld the Cottonbaler legacy of valor and sacrifice, earning their place in the storied lineage of a regiment that has fought in every major American conflict since 1812. Together, they led from the front, adapted under fire, and held the line when the enemy surged. Their legacy lives on in every soldier who trains, fights, and leads today.
It was U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Scott E. Rutter’s unit which assaulted the Iraqi Special Republican Guard and secured the Baghdad International Airport in Operation Iraqi Freedom. For this daring maneuver, his unit was broadly recognized and LTC Rutter was decorated with the Silver Star. During Operation Desert Storm, then CPT Rutter commanded C Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, ‘Rangers’ in the 1st Infantry Division and was decorated with the Bronze Star for Valor in 1991. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, LTC Rutter commanded the 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry ‘Cottonbalers’ in the 3rd Infantry Division and made the initial assault into Iraq all the way to Baghdad as part of the ‘Tip of the Spear.’ A soldier in his attached engineer unit, Sergeant First Class Paul Smith, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously.
Scott retired from the U.S. Army after serving over 20 years in Air Assault, Light and Mechanized assignments in the Desert, the Pacific, and in the Continental United States. He served several years overseas and has deployed operationally to Saudi Arabia, Korea, Kuwait and Iraq. Scott also served as a Senior Intelligence Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency. As a much sought after speaker, established writer, and experienced media analyst and reporter, his mission now is to raise the soldiers’ voice in the news media. He has served as a FOX News Channel War Correspondent for several key events in Iraq, most notably during the Battle of Fallujah.
After his stint with Fox News Channel, Scott spent his next chapter as an executive in the defense industry, where he served as the Senior Director, Mounted Maneuver Programs, U.S. Combat Systems for BAE Systems leading a 500 Million Dollar business area which included U.S. and international programs for over 30 foreign countries to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Australia, Norway, Taiwan and Pakistan.
Scott currently serves as the Founder and President of the Valor Network Inc., a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business with offices in New Jersey. The Valor Network provides tele-radiology to hospitals in the government and private sector. Scott created this successful business after identifying a gap in secure and reliable care to our Service members, their Families and Veterans. Scott also remains connected to the Defense Industry by providing selected defense organizations with Subject Matter Expertise in market development, business winning and program management.
Scott currently serves as a Member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer for TAPS – Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and donates much of his time and energy speaking to organizations and raising awareness about the compelling issues facing our Service members and Veterans. His passion has gained him national attention and has identified him as an expert in Veteran and Family Member issues.
Scott is a graduate of Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in History. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Management from the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, KS. In 2010, Scott was awarded the title of Distinguished Alumnus from Campbell University.
Lieutenant Colonel (RET) Scott Rutter
Matthew Paul is an active Colonel in the U.S. Army. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1999 and served in several Infantry assignments prior to his selection into the Acquisition Corps. He served as an Infantry Officer across multiple assignments at home and abroad, including Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Colonel Paul served as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Mortar Platoon Leader in the 3rd Infantry Division and was then selected to serve multiple Company Command assignments in the Infantry Training Brigade, TRADOC. After graduating from the Infantry Captain’s Career Course, Colonel Paul served as a Brigade Assistant Operations Officer and Heavy Weapons Company Commander in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). While in command, he returned to Iraq in 2006 to oversee a large area of operations to ensure peace and stability, train the new Iraqi Security Forces, and conduct sustained counterinsurgency operations. Colonel Paul transitioned into the Acquisition Corps in 2009 and completed several acquisition assignments across multiple, multibillion-dollar programs. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 to equip the Army with next-generation drones. He later ran the Army’s intelligence information systems, Command and Control systems, and Defense Business Systems. He was handpicked for his current assignment, to overhaul the Army’s Human Resource and Pay systems for all 1.1 million Soldiers.
Matt is a graduate of Rowan University in Glassboro NJ where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Management from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. In 2020, Matt earned a Masters in Government Information Leadership from the National Defense University in Washington D.C. He works as an adjunct professor teaching information science at Harford Community College, MD.
