Local Hero's Parents Talk Of Grief, Pride

Aug. 21 - KGO (KGO) -- A South Bay Navy Seal killed in the war on terrorism is being honored next month with a Navy Cross. The only higher recognition is the Congressional Medal of Honor. For the first time since their son's death, Matthew Axelson's family has granted a television interview. It's a story you'll see Only On 7.

Donna and Corky Axelson live with a mix of emotion. Their tears represent both pride and anguish.

Donna Axelson, mother: "He was just a wonderful young man."

Donna is talking about her 29-year-old son, Matthew Axelson. He was one of three Navy seals killed last June during a counter terrorism mission in Afghanistan.

Rebels also shot down a helicopter carrying 16 reinforcements making it the deadliest operation in Naval special forces history.

The Axelson's have an impressive collection spanning their son's five year military career -- there's a silver star, a purple heart and the Navy and Marine Corps commendation medal.

Now this son, brother and husband will receive the Navy Cross, a recognition second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Corky Axelson, father: "We are proud of our son if he didn't get any of these medals, but this is special."

The military says Axelson showed extraordinary heroism, providing fire cover for one of his fellow seals even as he was under attack. That courage does not surprise his older brother Jeff.

Jeff Axelson, brother: "Yeah, I looked up to him even though he is a little brother."

As the nation debates the high price of war, this Cupertino family stands by the president and his military mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Donna Axelson, mother: "I don't think there is anybody who favors war but sometimes I think it's necessary and this war on terror is necessary."

The Axelson's say the Navy Cross they will receive next month in Washington D.C. recognizes Matthew but honors everyone in uniform.

Corky Axelson, father: "There's a lot of people that put their life on the line not to be a hero but just because of what they believe in."

The Navy Cross will be presented to the Axelson family at a special ceremony on September 13, two days after the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

The death of Matthew Axelson is also the motivating force behind an effort to honor all of Cupertino's fallen heroes of war.

For more on the memorial, read The Back Story.

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