California’s War Dead

    Matthew G. Axelson

    Matthew G. Axelson, 29

    Navy, Petty Officer 2nd Class
    Hindu Kush mountains, Afghanistan
    Gender: Male
    Hometown: Cupertino
    I asked him 'If this had happened before you joined, would you still have done it?' and he said, 'Absolutely, because the world is a more dangerous place. If I can work [fighting terrorism] and get rid of some of the bad guys, I'll be happy.'
    — Donna Axelson, mother, on Sept. 11 attacks

    Axelson, a Cal State Chico graduate, was part of a four-person team ambushed in Iraq. His body was not recovered for more than week. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor.
    Times obituary
    Matt Axelson Memorial Video
    Matt Axelson Memorial Website
    Matt Axelson's Navy Seal page
    Matt Axelson statue in Cupertino
    « Jorge Luis Pena-Romero, 07/16/2005
    Erik S. Kristensen, 06/28/2005 »
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    Five memories of Matthew G. Axelson

    Matthew's story breaks my heart. I will never forget what he did for our country.

    — Carline A. Cash
    August 24, 2008 at 4:42 p.m.
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    These soldiers or men as we call them. There your sons and daughters that go out and fight a war that affect us all. A four man team is something you rarely hear of in a battle in the dessert. But terrosism needs to be stopped.. We must honor and have respect for them all.. Don't forget your friends sons or daughters that were proud of you...
    Matthew G. Axelson Thankyou and Rest in Peace:: Moms and Dad they did for our country and thank all of you..

    — Matthew G. Howard
    November 28, 2009 at 9:39 p.m.
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    I just finished "Lone Survivor" and was deeply moved by Mathew Axelson's incredible bravey and un-selfishness. There were many connections I have to Mathew, 1.) I finished the book as I landed at Chico Municiple Airport, the same site Mathew Axelson's remains were flown into.2.) I live in the Chico area, 3.) Mathew Axelson died on my birthday, 7/10.

    Rest in Peace, Petty Officer, 2nd. Class Mathew Axelson.

    — Don Will
    December 12, 2009 at 10:55 a.m.
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    You are and will forever be a Hero! Thank you for serving our Country you will not be forgot!

    — Paul Thomas
    May 15, 2010 at 1:26 p.m.
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    Another Unselfish Hero Who Gave His Life For Our Freedom...Thank You Hero...Peace Be With You!

    — Penny
    March 9, 2011 at 2:54 p.m.
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    Sources: Times research, Defense Department, iCasualties.org
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    California's War Dead is the Los Angeles Times' collection of stories about the 737 California servicemembers and 490 others based in California who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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