SSG Matthew A. Kimmell

11 October 2005, Iraq

Special Forces

A native of Paxton, Indiana, Staff Sergeant Matthew A. Kimmell died 11 October 2005, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Muqdadiyah, Iraq.

Kimmell enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard in January 1994 as an Infantryman and completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. In February 1995 he volunteered for active duty and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia.

SSG Kimmell graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in November 2004 and was assigned as an Engineer Sergeant to 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM at the time of his death.