Nielson, Matthew Gunnar
Male
Verified Captain Matthew Gunnar Nielson, 27, of Jefferson, Iowa, was a U.S. Army officer serving with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. He died in a hostile incident in Al Kut, Iraq, on June 29, 2011.
Their Story
Matthew Gunnar Nielson was a 27-year-old captain in the United States Army, a native of Jefferson, Iowa. He served with Troop G, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, based at Fort Hood, Texas.
According to the Department of Defense, Captain Nielson died on June 29, 2011, in Al Kut, Wasit Province, Iraq. The official casualty report lists his death as resulting from hostile action. He was one of two U.S. soldiers killed in separate incidents in Iraq that day.
Nielson's death occurred during Operation New Dawn, the final phase of the U.S. military mission in Iraq. The operation, which succeeded Operation Iraqi Freedom, began in September 2010 and was focused on advising and assisting Iraqi security forces as U.S. combat troops withdrew.
His death was reported by national news outlets, including The New York Times, which listed him among the day's casualties. He was survived by his wife, parents, and siblings.
Captain Nielson's name is recorded on the Iraq War Memorial at Fort Hood and in the Defense Casualty Analysis System. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.
Explore Further
Captain Nielson was killed during Operation New Dawn (2010?2011). The conflict concluded in December 2011. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Jenkins, Phillip Chad, Mcclamrock, James Fleet, Hansen, James Arthur, Burner, John Franklin Iii.
