Matthew John Leathers: A Fearless Operator's Enduring Legacy
A Special Warfare Operator First Class (SO1), fearless SEAL combat swimmer with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1, and a Bronze Star with Valor recipient. He gave his life in a diving accident off Kaena Point, Oahu, on February 19th, 2013.
Service Record
- Branch
- USN
- Unit
- SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 (SDVT-1)
- Station Assigned
- Pearl Harbor, HI
- Hometown
- Woodland, CA
- Family
- Survived by his parents, Tim and Linda Leathers; his brothers, Tim and Chris; his sisters, Rain and Katie; his wife, Amanda; and his children, Andrea, Shane, and Abigale.
- Fallen On
- February 19th, 2013
Born and raised in Woodland, California, Matthew was known for his adventurous spirit and a deep sense of loyalty. From a young age, he exhibited the traits of a natural leader and a fierce protector. After graduating from Woodland High School, Matthew felt a powerful calling to serve his country, a path that led him directly to the rigorous training of the U.S. Navy, enlisting in 1997 and going on active duty in 1998.
Petty Officer First Class (SEAL) Leathers embarked on the arduous journey to become a Navy SEAL, pushing through the demanding Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training twice, graduating in September 2003. He then attended Naval Special Warfare Advanced Training. His exceptional physical prowess and mental fortitude earned him a coveted spot with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1 (SDVT-1) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, starting in August 2004. There, he honed his skills as a combat swimmer and a highly specialized operator, becoming an indispensable member of his unit. During his time with SDVT-1, he deployed to Iraq in 2005 and to Afghanistan in both 2005 and 2011. He was recognized for his meritorious service, demonstrating superior tactical prowess and contributing to combat operations in Iraq.
On that fateful day in February, Petty Officer First Class Matthew John Leathers died in a diving accident at Kaena Point, Oahu, Hawaii, on February 19, 2013, during a training exercise. His body was not recovered from the Pacific Ocean, and he was officially declared deceased on February 27, 2013. He has a cenotaph at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.
Matthew John Leathers gave his life in service to his nation, a profound testament to his unwavering bravery and selflessness. His loss was a heavy blow to his beloved family, his cherished friends, and the close-knit SEAL community that regarded him as a brother. He was celebrated for his infectious humor, his unwavering positive attitude, and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Petty Officer First Class Matthew J. Leathers was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, recognizing his heroic achievement in connection with combat operations. His legacy is one of extraordinary courage, unwavering loyalty, and the ultimate sacrifice made in defense of freedom. He will forever be remembered as a true hero who embodied the spirit of the Naval Special Warfare community.
To learn more about Matthew John Leathers and other fallen heroes, please visit:
On behalf of myself and everyone at BoneFrog Coffee, I want to express our deepest condolences to the family of Matthew J. Leathers, 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 BoneFrog Coffee Team