Hermanson, Matthew Daniel
Male
Verified Staff Sergeant Matthew Daniel Hermanson, 22, of Appleton, Wisconsin, was killed by hostile fire on April 28, 2011, at Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province, Afghanistan.
Their Story
Matthew Daniel Hermanson was a 22-year-old soldier from Appleton, Wisconsin. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army, assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, based out of Fort Polk, Louisiana.
According to U.S. Department of Defense casualty reports, Hermanson died on April 28, 2011, at Forward Operating Base Shank in Afghanistan's Logar Province. The official cause was listed as hostile fire. Reports from the time indicate the base, a key logistics hub, was a frequent target for insurgent rocket and mortar attacks.
Hermanson's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2011, the conflict was in its tenth year, marked by a surge of U.S. forces and intensified combat, particularly in eastern provinces like Logar where insurgent activity was prevalent.
His death was reported by several news outlets, including the Army Times and local Wisconsin media. The Appleton Post-Crescent noted his passing, confirming his hometown and unit.
Staff Sergeant Hermanson is memorialized on the Afghanistan War Memorial at Fort Polk and on online veterans' memorials. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.
Explore Further
Staff Sergeant Hermanson 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.
