Captain Matthew August was killed in Iraq in 2004 and was remembered in a ceremony dedicating the post office at 20 Ferry Rd., Saunderstown, R.I. as the “Captain Matthew J. August Post Office.” U.S. Sen. Jack Reed and U.S. Rep. James Langevin sponsored the authorization bill in their respective houses, with U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Rep. David Cicilline cosponsoring.
During his lifetime, August earned the Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaves; the National Defense Service Medal; and the Army Service and Overseas Service ribbons. After he died, he was awarded the Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medals; and Combat Action Badge.
Reed, a fellow West Point graduate, said: “We are forever grateful to Captain August for his valor, service, and sacrifice.” Langevin said August “will always be remembered for his extraordinary heroism,” and called it “a true privilege” to have helped honor him. “We owe an enormous debt to him and to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of freedom,” Cicilline said. Read more.