PRESS RELEASE: 1st Special Forces Group Soldier dies in Afghanistan

By USASOC Public Affairs OfficeAugust 24, 2016

1st Special Forces Group Soldier dies in Afghanistan
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. -- Staff Sgt. Matthew V. Thompson, 28, of Irvine, California, died Aug. 23, 2016, of wounds received from an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Thompson was assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. This was Thompson's first deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. He had previously deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

"He was an exceptional Green Beret, a cherished teammate, and devoted husband. His service in Afghanistan and Iraq speak to his level of dedication, courage, and commitment to something greater than himself," said Lt. Col. Kevin M. Trujillo, commander of Special Operations Task Force -- Afghanistan.

"The Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan will honor his memory and sacrifice and his passing is a tremendous loss to all who were blessed to know him," added Trujillo.

Thompson enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 2011 as a Special Forces Candidate. Upon completion of Army Basic Combat and Advanced Individual Training, Basic Airborne Course, Special Forces Assessment and Selection and the Special Forces Qualification Course, he reported to 1st Special Forces Group as a Special Forces medical sergeant in August 2014.

Thompson's military education includes Basic Combat Training, the Basic Airborne Course, the Advanced Leader Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, the Special Forces Qualification Course and the Special Operations Combat Medic Course.

Thompson's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (numeral 2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Basic Parachutist Badge and Special Forces Tab.

Thompson was posthumously awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal with V device, and Purple Heart Medal.

For more information regarding Thompson, media may contact the USASOC public affairs office at 910-432-6005.

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