Matthew Axelson Age, Wiki and Bio

Matthew Axelson

Quick Info

ProfessionUnited States Navy SEALs operative
NationalityAmerican
Date of Birth25/06/1976
Age29 years (died on 28, Jun, 2005)
BirthplaceCupertino, California, United States
Date of Death28/06/2005

Bio/Wiki

Full nameMathew Gene Axelson
Other name(s)Matthew “Axe” Axelson, Matt “Axe” Axelson
Nickname(s)Matt, Mikey, Axe

Physical Stats & More

Height180 cm (5 feet 11 inches)
Weight65 kg (143 lbs)
Eye ColorBlue
Hair ColorDark Brown

Educational Qualification(s)

SchoolMonta Vista High School, California
College/University
  • San Diego State University
  • California State University Chico
Educational QualificationMajored in Political Science

Personal Life

Date of Birth25/06/1976
BirthplaceCupertino, California, United States
Date of Death28/06/2005
Place of DeathKunar Province, Afghanistan
Age (at the time of death)29 Years
Death CauseGunshot wounds
Zodiac signCancer
HometownCupertino, California

Relationships & More

Marital Status (at the time of death)Married
Affairs/GirlfriendsCindy Oji Axelson (program director of the SEAL Family Foundation, president of the Matthew Axelson Foundation)
Marriage Date27/12/2003

Family

Wife/SpouseCindy Oji Axelson (program director of the SEAL Family Foundation, president of the Matthew Axelson Foundation)
Parents
FatherCordell Axelson
MotherDonna Axelson
Siblings
BrotherJeffrey Axelson (also known as Jeff; founder of Axelson Tactical)

Career

Service/BranchUnited States Navy
Rank (at the time of death)Petty Officer Second Class (Sonar Technician)
US Navy SEALs TeamsSEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1)
Service YearsDecember 2000 - 28 June 2005
Military Decorations
  • Navy Cross (Posthumous) (13 September 2006)
  • Purple Heart (Posthumous)
  • Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
  • Combat Action Ribbon
  • Navy Unit Commendation
  • Navy Good Conduct Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ 1 Service star
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
  • Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
  • NATO Medal
  • Navy Expert Rifleman Medal
  • Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal
Honours & Legacy
  • On 11 November 2007, in Cupertino, California, a life-size bronze statue of Axelson was installed. The statue showed him in a 'defensive kneeling' posture, with his rifle placed on one knee. His Navy Cross citation was included in the statue's design.
  • On 3 November 2015, the Pacific Beacon housing complex located at Naval Base San Diego was renamed The Axelson Building in which a display case was set up in the lobby to store a collection of Axelson's possessions.
  • His name was engraved on the war memorial of San Diego State University on 13 November 2015. The university also acknowledged him as its alumnus.
  • In October 2019, the representatives in the Senate presented a bill to change the name of the post office in Cupertino, California, to the “Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson Post Office Building.” The bill was cleared on 14 September 2020, paving the way for the renaming of the building.
  • As a tribute, Axelson Tactical, led by Matthew's older sibling, introduced a special rifle in 2016 that resembled the one Matthew used in Operation Red Wings in 2005. Eventually, the company partnered with Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell's Team Never Quit Ammunition for a charity initiative, offering the rifle along with a thousand rounds of ammunition to generate funds for the Special Operations Wounded Warriors organization.
  • Following his death, his relatives founded the Matthew Axelson Foundation in California with the aim of aiding veterans of the US Armed Forces cope with distress and disability.
  • After he passed away, the US Navy donated Axelson's battle gears that he wore during Operation Red Wings to a museum in his hometown for the public to see.

Favourites

Car Collection1969 Chevrolet Corvette

Some Lesser Known Facts

Matthew Axelson served as a petty officer second class in the United States Navy SEALs.
He was part of the SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1).
Matthew was involved in Operation Red Wings during his service in Afghanistan and was given the Navy Cross posthumously.
He came from a Christian background in the United States.
During high school, Matthew enjoyed playing soccer and golf.
Inspired by a friend who was a Navy SEAL, he decided to enlist in the US Navy.
Matthew underwent rigorous training to join the US Navy SEALs.
He received specialized training as a marksman at the SEAL Sniper school.
Tragically, Axelson lost his life when his team was ambushed during Operation Red Wings.
He was laid to rest in California with full military honors.
A bronze statue was dedicated to him in Cupertino, California.
His legacy lives on through various tributes, dedications, and foundations established in his honor.