Remembering 2nd Lt Matthew S. Coutu ~ NH Hero

Remembering 2nd Lt Matthew S. Coutu – KIA on June 27, 2005, Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Matthew entered the University of Maine (Orono) where he majored in history. In his senior year, he received the George C. Marshall Award as the top ranked ROTC student at the University and ranked in the 6th percentile nationally as a ROTC cadet. Matt graduated on May 8, 2004 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the US Army.

Following his commissioning and completion of the Military Police Officer Basic Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Matt was assigned to the 89th Military Police Brigade at Ft. Hood, Texas. In February, 2005, the Brigade deployed to the forward operating base Rustemiyah in Iraq. On June 27, 2005, Matt was killed by sniper fire en route to Al Ademyiah Iraqi Police Station in East Baghdad.

The day following his death, Lt. Colonel Robert Taradash, Commander of the 720th MP battalion in Baghdad called Michael Coutu, Matt’s father, saying how hard his death was being felt by his fellow troops adding “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.”

At a memorial service held in Baghdad, Captain Meeks, Matt’s company commander, said “He loved the Army, the Guardians, and his Soldiers. He reminded us every day that he was committed to being the best and that he took care of the Wolfpack. His dogged will to succeed inspired leaders at every level. He maintained the same intensity day in and day out of this deployment, he did not waver one bit. While doing so he paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. For that, I am humbled and honored to have known and served with him.”

Among his awards and medals, Matt posthumously received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. 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. From the moment that I met him, I recognized that Matt led his Soldiers from the front and put every ounce of his being into leading his Soldiers.”