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Name: Matthew G. Axelson
Branch: USN
Unit: SEAL Team 10 (assigned from SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1)
Station Assigned: Pearl Harbor, HI
Hometown: Cupertino, CA
Family: Matthew Axelson is survived by his wife, Cindy Axelson Oji; his parents, Donna and Corky; and his brother, Jeff.
Fallen on: June 28th, 2005
Matthew G. Axelson was a courageous and dedicated Navy SEAL who made the ultimate sacrifice on June 28th, 2005, in the rugged terrain of Kunar Province, Afghanistan, during the tragic Operation Red Wings. He was just 29 years old.
Born and raised in Cupertino, California, Matthew was known for his strong will and unwavering commitment to his goals. After graduating from California State University, Chico, with a degree in political science, he chose a path of service, enlisting in the U.S. Navy in December 2000. He embraced the arduous journey to become a Navy SEAL, demonstrating a profound dedication to protecting his country.
Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Axelson successfully navigated the brutal Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training and SEAL Qualification Training (SQT). He was assigned to SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, showcasing his proficiency in specialized maritime operations. However, it was as part of SEAL Team 10 that he would face his ultimate test.
During Operation Red Wings, Petty Officer Axelson was a vital member of a four-man reconnaissance team tasked with locating a Taliban leader. When their position was compromised, and they were ambushed by a significantly larger enemy force, Matthew displayed extraordinary heroism. Despite sustaining grievous wounds, he continued to fight bravely alongside his comrades, providing protective fire and refusing to surrender. His selfless actions when facing insurmountable odds directly contributed to the survival of his comrade, Marcus Luttrell.
For his exceptional bravery and unwavering dedication to his fellow SEALs, Matthew G. Axelson was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the second-highest decoration for valor awarded by the U.S. Navy. His actions on that fateful day serve as a testament to the courage and commitment ingrained in every Navy SEAL.
Matthew G. Axelson's sacrifice will never be forgotten. He is deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire SEAL community. His legacy stands as a powerful reminder of the immense bravery and selfless dedication of those who serve in our nation's special operations forces.
To learn more about Matthew G. Axelson and other fallen heroes, please visit:
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Navy SEAL Museum: https://www.navysealmuseum.org/memorial-wall/global-war-on-terror/matthew-gene-axe-axelson
- The Matthew Axelson Foundation: https://matthewaxelsonfoundation.org/
On behalf of myself and everyone at BoneFog Coffee, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family of Matthew Axelson who gave his life for our country. Words cannot capture the weight of this loss or the gratitude we feel for his courage and sacrifice. He was more than a warrior—he was a brother, a patriot, and a man whose dedication to protecting our freedom will forever inspire us. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on in our hearts and in the values we strive to uphold. To his family, we share in your grief and stand with you, honoring his legacy with unwavering respect and gratitude.
Long Live The Brotherhood!!
Tim Cruickshank LCDR, USN (SEAL) Ret. and the BoneFog Coffee Team