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Matthew Axelson Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 3 min read

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Quick Info

Date of birth25 June 1976

Age29 (at time of death)

BirthplaceCupertino, California, United States

ProfessionUnited States Navy SEALs operative

NationalityAmerican

Marital statusMarried (at time of death)

SpouseCindy Oji Axelson

FamilyParents: Cordell Axelson and Donna Axelson; Brother: Jeffrey Axelson

Matthew Axelson Biography

Matthew Gene Axelson was a United States Navy SEAL petty officer who served from 2000 until his death in 2005. He took part in Operation Red Wings in Kunar

Early life and background
Matthew Gene Axelson was born on June 25, 1976, in Cupertino, California. He grew up in the area and attended Monta Vista High School. Axelson went on to study political science at San Diego State University and California State University, Chico. From a young age he enjoyed athletics and reading; he swam as a child, played soccer, and competed in golf during high school.

Career
Axelson enlisted in the United States Navy in December 2000 and completed boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He trained as a Sonar Technician—Surface and later entered Class 237 of the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) program. His path included Airborne School, SEAL Qualification Training (SQT), SEAL Delivery Vehicle training, and SEAL Sniper School, culminating in award of the Naval Special Warfare insignia.

Following his qualification, Axelson served with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1). In December 2002 he reported to the team in Hawaii and continued active service in the years that followed. In April 2005, he deployed to Afghanistan with SDVT-1 to support NATO operations.

Operation Red Wings and death
In late June 2005 Axelson was part of a four-man SEAL reconnaissance team assigned to Kunar Province, Afghanistan. The team’s mission was to locate and disrupt an insurgent leader. On June 28, 2005, after contact with local residents, the team was engaged by a much larger enemy force in mountainous terrain. During the ensuing firefight, Axelson was mortally wounded. He sustained multiple gunshot injuries and was struck in the head; his death was recorded on June 28, 2005. He was 29 years old.

Decorations and honours
For his actions during Operation Red Wings, Axelson was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart. His service record also lists numerous other decorations and campaign medals earned during his Navy career. In the years following his death, several public tributes and memorials have honoured his memory, including a life-size bronze statue installed in Cupertino and the renaming of facilities and memorial dedications that carry his name.

Public profile
Axelson was married to Cindy Oji Axelson on December 27, 2003. His parents are Cordell and Donna Axelson, and he had a brother, Jeffrey Axelson. Jeffrey later founded Axelson Tactical and wrote about his brother’s life in a book published in 2014. Cindy Oji Axelson has served in roles supporting SEAL families and the foundation established in Matthew’s name.

Legacy and remembrance
After his death, family and supporters established the Matthew Axelson Foundation to assist veterans coping with physical and emotional wounds. His battle gear from Operation Red Wings was donated by the U.S. Navy to a museum in his hometown so the public could view items he used in service. Other tributes include a display of his possessions at a renamed building at Naval Base San Diego and the engraving of his name on a war memorial at San Diego State University. In 2016 a rifle modeled after the weapon he used was produced by Axelson Tactical as part of a charity effort.

Latest updates
In 2013, the film Lone Survivor depicted the events of Operation Red Wings; actor Ben Foster portrayed Axelson. Legislative action to rename a post office in Cupertino in Axelson’s honour progressed in Congress, culminating in approval of the bill in September 2020. The public honours and foundation activities continue to preserve his memory and support other service members and their families.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Matthew Axelson, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded

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Career Highlights

  1. Served as a United States Navy SEAL with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1)
  2. Participated in Operation Red Wings (2005)
  3. Posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart
  4. Memorialized with a life-size bronze statue in Cupertino and other public tributes
Reviewed by F4U Editorial Desk

F4U profile pages are prepared from public career information, checked for readability, and updated when reliable correction sources are shared with the editorial team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Matthew Axelson born?

Matthew Axelson was born on 25 June 1976.

What is Matthew Axelson known for?

Matthew Axelson is known for united States Navy SEALs operative.

What is Matthew Axelson’s marital status?

Matthew Axelson's marital status is listed as Married (at time of death).

Who is Matthew Axelson married to?

Matthew Axelson is publicly listed as married to Cindy Oji Axelson.