AXELSON-MATTHEW
MATTHEW GENE AXELSON
STG2 (SEAL)
Matthew Gene Axelson
Date of birth: June 25, 1976Date of death: June 28, 2005
Burial location: Chico, CA
Place of Birth: California, Cupertino
Home of record: Cupertino California
Status: KIA
Before enlisting in the Navy, Matthew Axelson earned a degree in Political Science from California State University-Chico. As a member of a 4-man SEAL Team in Afghanistan, he and two of his comrades were killed in action, with only one team member surviving. The mission resulted in one team member receiving a posthumous award of the Medal of Honor, and Matthew Axelson and the other two team members earning the Navy Cross, making them the most decorated SEAL Team in history.
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
Navy Cross
See more recipients of this awardAwarded for actions during the Global War on Terror
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.
Action Date: June 27 & 28, 2005
Service: Navy
Rank: Sonar Technician Second Class
Company: SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1
Division: Naval Special Warfare Task Unit
Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret