Matthew David Mason

Age: 37
Branch: USN
Rank(s): IT3, IT2, SOC
Unit(s): ST1, ST3, NSWDG
Station: Oceana, VA

Fallen on: 06 August 2011
Location: Afghanistan
Era: Global War on Terror
Campaign: 

Medals & Commendations: Two Bronze Star with Valor Device, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with valor Device, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Hometown: Holt, MO

Details:
SOC Mason was killed on August 6, 2011 in Wardak Province, Afghanistan when insurgents shot down a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, callsign Extortion 17. The greatest single-incident loss in Naval Special Warfare history, Extortion 17 is remembered for the 30 American lives lost, including SOC Mason.