Martinek, Matthew M
Male
Verified Private First Class Matthew M. Martinek, 20, of DeKalb, Illinois, was a U.S. Army infantryman. He died on September 11, 2009, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany from wounds sustained in combat in Afghanistan.
Their Story
Matthew M. Martinek grew up in DeKalb, Illinois, and enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned as an infantryman to Company B, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, based at Fort Richardson, Alaska. His unit deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On September 4, 2009, Martinek was on a dismounted patrol in the Paktiya province of eastern Afghanistan when his unit was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). According to the Department of Defense, he and several other soldiers were wounded in the blast. Martinek was evacuated for medical treatment.
He was flown to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, a major U.S. military hospital for treating combat casualties from the Middle East. He died there on September 11, 2009, from the wounds he sustained in the IED attack. The Taliban reportedly claimed responsibility for the ambush.
Martinek's death was reported by the Department of Defense and noted in regional news coverage in Illinois. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Private First Class. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.
He is remembered on memorials in his hometown and by his unit. His name is inscribed on the DeKalb County Fallen Soldiers Memorial.
Explore Further
PFC Matthew Martinek 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.
