Colin, Matthew Christopher
Male
Verified Private First Class Matthew Christopher Colin, 22, of Navarre, Florida, was killed in Panjwai District, Afghanistan, on November 16, 2011, while serving with the U.S. Army during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Their Story
Private First Class Matthew Christopher Colin was a 22-year-old soldier from Navarre, Florida. He served as an active-duty infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, part of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
On November 16, 2011, PFC Colin was killed by enemy small-arms fire during a dismounted patrol in the Panjwai District of Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The area was a known insurgent stronghold and a frequent site of combat operations for U.S. and coalition forces.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001 following the September 11 attacks. The mission evolved from counter-terrorism to a protracted counterinsurgency and nation-building effort, with the southern provinces like Kandahar seeing intense fighting.
According to the Department of Defense, Colin was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other service medals. His remains were returned to the United States, and he was buried with military honors.
He is memorialized on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Veterans Park in Navarre, Florida, and his name is inscribed on Panel 3W, Line 127 of the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia.
Explore Further
PFC Matthew Colin was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001?2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
