Manoukian, Matthew Patrick

Matthew Patrick Manoukian was a 29-year-old captain in the United States Marine Corps. He was assigned to the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, based at Camp Pendleton, California. He was from Los Altos Hills, a community in Silicon Valley.

On August 10, 2012, Captain Manoukian was killed in the Sangin district of Helmand province, Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, he died from wounds sustained while conducting combat operations. He was reportedly part of a patrol that came under enemy small-arms fire.

His death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. By 2012, U.S. forces were engaged in a drawdown following a surge of troops, but heavy fighting continued in Taliban strongholds like Helmand.

His death was publicly announced by the Department of Defense. The Marine Corps Special Operations Command stated he was a special operations officer. Local news outlets in California reported on his death and his ties to the Bay Area community.

Captain Manoukian was posthumously promoted from the rank of first lieutenant to captain. He is memorialized on the Afghanistan War casualty lists and by veterans' organizations. His name appears on the memorial wall at the Marine Corps Special Operations Command headquarters.

Captain Manoukian was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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