2nd LT Matthew S. Coutu, 2005
Name of individual: Matthew S. Coutu
Branch of service: U.S. Army
Sex: Male
Occupation prior to service: College Student
Highest rank achieved: 2nd Lieutenant
Foreign war(s) served: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Killed in action location: Baghdad, Iraq
Date of death: June 27, 2005
Age at death: 23
Awards: Purple Heart, Bronze Star
Buried where: Rhode Island Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery
Marital status: Never Married
Education: Graduate of University of Maine, Class of 2004
Hyperlinks for Matthew S. Coutu:
· https://www.runforthefallennh.com/army-2nd-lt-matthew-coutu.html
· https://thesummitproject.org/6571/
A member of the University of Maine’s ROTC program, “Matt was an exceptional young man,” Capt. Jeffery Weston said. “It’s easy at times like this to toss around all sorts of superlatives but Matt was head and shoulders above his peers. He was one of those guys who was larger than life; he just stuck out. He was a natural leader who inspired confidence and served as a mentor to the younger cadets.”
A distinguished military graduate, Coutu received the George C. Marshall Award, which is given to the top cadet at each university. He was ranked in the top 6 percentile of all ROTC cadets nationally. On the Dean’s list all four years, University of Maine President Robert Kennedy said the community was saddened to learn of Coutu’s death. “He was an outstanding member of the UMaine community and we will honor and always remember his selfless service to our country.”
Matt graduated from Lake Forest High School where he was captain of the football, wrestling and track team before graduating in 2000, said principal Jay Hoffman. “He was a great guy, both in the classroom and outside. He was kind of man’s man, all-around great guy in all avenues.”
After commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, Matt attended the Military Police Officer Basic Course in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. Upon completion of the course, he was assigned to the 64th Military Police Company, 720th MP Battalion, 89th MP Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas and transferred to FOB Rustemiyah, Baghdad in February, 2005. On Monday morning June 27, 2005, Matt together with a squad from his platoon, were en route to the Al Ademyiah Iraqi Police Station in east Baghdad when they came upon a vehicle which apparently hit an IED and engulfed in flames. While directing his men to secure the area, he was killed by sniper fire.
Lt. Colonel Robert Taradash, Commander of the 720th MP battalion in Baghdad said “Matthew was perhaps my best platoon leader -- someone who earned the admiration and respect of his fellow officers and the men who served under him. His loss will be grieved no less than that of a brother, parent, spouse or dear friend. He was an exemplary role model to all in this (Army) family.”
Commencing with its inaugural dedication on February 6, 2006, the 2nd Lieutenant Matthew S. Coutu Distinguished Honor Graduate Award is given to the top graduate of each Military Police Officer Basic Course class. In the memorial dedication speech, Colonel Taradash described Matt as a “young man who loved to lead Soldiers; lived by the Warrior Creed and Army Values; loved and lived his life without hesitation; and epitomized heroism.”
If you have further information, please contact Commander@americanlegionlakeforest.org.