A marine who was killed earlier this week during training at Camp Pendleton when a tactical vehicle rolled over him was identified Dec. 14 as Sgt. Matthew K. Bylski, 23, of Royal Oak, Michigan, according to Marine Corps officials.
Mr. Bylski died Tuesday when a combat vehicle he was in, rolled over killing him and injuring several others. He was serving as the vehicle commander when the incident happened.
“He was so compassionate. He was always upbeat and would do anything he could to bring you out of a bad situation and put you in a better mindset,” said his brother, Josh, in the Dec. 13 letter.
His father said “he was a real special kid,” in the same document.
Mr. Bylski has received several awards and decorations during his military career, including two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
“Words fail to express our sorrow at the tragic loss of Sgt. Bylski, an outstanding Marine and a leader within his platoon,” said Col. Sean Dynan in a statement to the media Dec. 14. “Marines who lived, trained, and learned from Sgt. Bylski—mourn alongside his family and friends.”
According to USMC officials, the vehicle rolled over after making a ground movement during training with 14 other marines. Of those injured, all were tranpsorted to hosptials, with all but one—listed in good condition—now released.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, according to the officials.
