Deyoung, Matthew James
Male
Verified Sgt. Matthew James Deyoung, 26, of Talent, Oregon, was a U.S. Marine with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion. He died on February 18, 2011, in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Matthew James Deyoung was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, assigned to the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was from Talent, Oregon, and was 26 years old at the time of his death.
On February 18, 2011, Deyoung was killed while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, a volatile region in southern Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, he died from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on patrol.
His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In early 2011, Helmand province was a major center of insurgent activity and a focus of U.S. Marine Corps operations.
Deyoung's body was returned to the United States. A memorial service was reportedly held for him in his home state of Oregon.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. His name is inscribed on the Oregon Military Heroes Memorial in Salem.
Explore Further
Sgt. Deyoung 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.
