SEALS Axelson, Matthew Gene

Set Europe Ablaze
By Edward Henry Cookridge
The O.S.S. and I
By William J. Morgan

John Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Axelson
  • FORENAME
Matthew Gene
  • UNIT
U.S.N. Seal Delivery Vehicle Team 1
  • RANK
Sonar Technician Second Class (Petty Officer Second Class)
  • NUMBER

  • DATE OF DEATH
28th June 2005
  • AGE
29
  • GRAVESITE
Glen Oaks Memorial Park, Chico, Butte County, California
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Cupertino, Santa Clara County, California
born 25.6.1976 Cupertino, California
son of Cordell and Donna Axelson
husband of Cindy Axelson (married 27.12.2003)
graduated California State University-Chico
awards Navy Cross, Silver Star
KIA Korengal Valley, Afghanistan
 

DATE OF DEATH:

28-Jun-2005

AWARD:

https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/axelson-matthew-gene.29669/

CITATION:

Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sonar Technician Second Class Matthew Gene Axelson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in actions against the enemy while serving in a four-man Special Reconnaissance element with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit, Afghanistan from 27 to 28 June 2005. Petty Officer Axelson demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Operating in the middle of an enemy-controlled area, in extremely rugged terrain, his Special Reconnaissance element was tasked with locating a high-level Anti-Coalition Militia leader, in support of a follow-on direct action mission to disrupt enemy activity. On 28 June 2005, the element was spotted by Anti-Coalition Militia sympathizers, who immediately revealed their position to the militia fighters. As a result, the element directly encountered the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation, Petty Officer Axelson's element bravely engaged the militia, who held both a numerical and positional advantage. The ensuing firefight resulted in numerous enemy personnel killed, with several of the Navy members suffering casualties. Ignoring his injuries and demonstrating exceptional composure, Petty Officer Axelson advised the teammate closest to him to escape while he provided cover fire. With total disregard for his own life and thinking only of his teammate's survival, he continued to attack the enemy, eliminating additional militia fighters, until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. A champion of freedom, Petty Officer Axelson will be remembered for his self-sacrificing actions in the continuing Global War on Terrorism. By his undaunted courage, fortitude under fire, and unwavering dedication to duty, Petty Officer Axelson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for the cause of freedom.

WEB LINKS:

http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=964
https://www.navysealmuseum.org/memorial-wall/global-war-on-terror/matthew-gene-axe-axelson
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