PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldier dies in Iraq

[SR-25]

.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Oct. 12, 2005) — An Army Special Forces Soldier died Oct. 11 in Miqdadiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee there.

Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Kimmell, 30, a Special Forces engineer sergeant, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) died of injuries sustained during the explosion in Iraq’s Diyala province.

The 5th SFG (A) is headquartered at Fort Campbell, Ky., and is currently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A native of Paxton, Ind., Kimmell entered the Army Jan. 11, 1994, as an infantryman.

Kimmell arrived at the 5th SFG (A) in November 2004.

He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in June 2005.

Kimmell’s military awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachute Badge, the Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.

Kimmell is survived by his wife, Mylissa, of Worthington, Ind.; his parents, Larry and Jeanne, his brother, Jeremy, and sister, Susanne, of Paxton, Ind.

http://news.soc.mil/releases/05OCT/051012-01.htm