Army Delta Force Sergeant First Class Matthew Loren Rierson, 33, of Nevada, Iowa, was a member of 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment–Delta and Task Force Ranger, He survived the October 3–4, 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, Somalia (“Blackhawk Down”). On October 6, he was killed when enemy mortar rounds struck the U.S. compound near the Mogadishu airport. He had just turned 33. For his extraordinary actions during the October 3–4 battle, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star; he also received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

SFC Rierson graduated from Nevada High School in 1979, where he was a football co-captain, successful wrestler, dedicated weightlifter and popular student leader. He entered the Army in 1982 after graduation from Ellsworth Junior College. His career included service with B Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, before selection for Delta Force. He completed Ranger, Airborne, combat-diver, military free-fall and jumpmaster training.

A fellow special-operations soldier who trained with SFC Rierson remembered him as a man of strong character and immense courage, and a devoted family man.

SFC Rierson was survived by his wife and two sons.