Freeman, Matthew Charles Hays

Matthew Charles Hays Freeman was a 29-year-old captain in the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152), Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, based in Okinawa, Japan. According to the Department of Defense, he was deployed to Afghanistan as an individual augmentee to train Afghan security forces.

On August 7, 2009, Freeman was killed by enemy small-arms fire during a combat operation in the Shpee Valley of Kapisa province, northeastern Afghanistan. He was reportedly on the roof of a building in the village of Shewan when he was struck. The operation was part of a larger effort by U.S. and Afghan forces to clear the area of insurgent fighters.

Freeman's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2009, the conflict was in a period of intensified fighting as international forces sought to stabilize the country ahead of planned troop increases. Kapisa province, located north of Kabul, was a known area of insurgent activity.

The Department of Defense announced his death on August 8, 2009. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of captain. His body was returned to Georgia, where he was buried with full military honors in the Richmond Hill area. His family established a scholarship fund in his memory.

Freeman is remembered by his unit and community as a dedicated Marine. A fitness trail at Fort Stewart, Georgia, was reportedly named in his honor, and the scholarship fund continues to support students in his hometown.

Matthew Freeman 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.

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