Matthew Gene "Axe" Axelson was an enlisted United States Navy SEAL who was awarded the US Navy's second highest decoration, the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan.
13 Facts About Matthew Axelson
2.
Matthew Axelson was born on June 25,1976, in Cupertino, California, to parents Donna and Cordell Matthew Axelson.
3.
Matthew Axelson graduated from Monta Vista High School in 1994, attended San Diego State University for a year and graduated from the California State University Chico with a degree in political science.
4.
Matthew Axelson enlisted in the United States Navy in December 2000, and completed basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes.
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Matthew Axelson reported to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 in December 2002, in Hawaii.
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Matthew Axelson was severely wounded after taking the brunt of the initial attack and the fall with his teammates.
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On July 10,2005, Matthew Axelson's body was discovered a few hundred yards away from the initial RPG explosion, by a group of SEALs during a search and rescue operation and returned to the United States.
8.
Matthew Axelson was buried with full military honors at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico, California.
9.
On September 13,2006, Axelson was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross by Navy Secretary Donald C Winter.
10.
Petty Officer Matthew Axelson demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan.
11.
Matthew Axelson gallantly gave his life for the cause of freedom.
12.
On November 3,2015, the Naval Base San Diego renamed their Pacific Beacon housing complex to The Matthew Axelson Building and dedicated a display box in the building's lobby which houses some of Matthew Axelson's possessions.
13.
On November 13,2015, Matthew Axelson was recognized as an alumni at the San Diego State University and included on the university's war memorial.