RELEASE NUMBER: 141205-01
DATE POSTED: DECEMBER 5, 2014
PRESS RELEASE: SF Soldier dies in Afghanistan
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Dec. 5, 2014) - Staff Sgt. Matthew Ammerman, a native of Noblesville, Ind., was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) when he died Dec. 3, 2014, as a result of wounds received in combat.
“Staff Sgt. Matthew Ammerman was an exceptional Soldier in all regards. He showed himself to be a standout shortly after arrival in the unit and his efforts have made an impact on his unit and our mission. We, as a nation, are fortunate to have men like Matt,” said Lt. Col. Tommy Stoner, commander of the 7th SFG (A)’s 3rd Battalion. “He not only represented what we should all aspire to be, but he lived it. His loss is a great blow and he will be missed and mourned by this unit. Our focus will be supporting his family in any way possible and ensuring that they are taken care of during this difficult process.”
Ammerman joined the Army in July 2004, attending basic and advanced individual training as well as the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was then assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Battalion (Airborne) based at Fort Richardson, Alaska, as an anti-armor specialist. Ammerman deployed twice with the unit, once to Iraq in 2006 for 14 months, and later to Afghanistan in 2009 for 12 months, serving as an assistant gunner, fire team leader and squad leader.
In May of 2011, he was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment based at Fort Stewart, Ga. and served as a senior sniper and squad leader with the battalion.
He volunteered for Special Forces in 2012, graduated in 2013 as a Special Forces communications sergeant and was assigned to 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A) in July,2014. He deployed in late fall of 2014 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Ammerman’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.
He was also the recipient of the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.