U.S. Marine Corps, students at the Assault Amphibious School, prepares an amphibious combat vehicle during a basic land driving course at Marine Corps Base Pendleton, California, Nov. 29, 2023. (U.S. Marine Corps**, photo by Colonel Lance Mary Jenny).
The Marine Corps on Thursday confirmed the identity of the Marine Corps soldier who died in a vehicle rollover at Camp Pendleton, California, earlier this week.
matthew k.Sergeant Bylski, a native of Royal Oak, Michigan, was at the Southern California base on Tuesday when his amphibious combat vehicle (ACV) overturned and died.
Another 14 Marines were wounded. One of them remained in hospital on Thursday and is in good condition, while the others have accepted** and been released, according to Thursday's service press release. Baiersky was a member of the 15th Marine Battalion of the 5th Marine Expeditionary Force.
He really enjoyed serving in the Marine Corps," Matthew's father, Ken Bailsky, told Military.com on Thursday.
When asked what Matthew's growth was like, Ken said, "He didn't follow anyone. He did what he wanted. It doesn't matter to him. Either way, he does his own thing......He's just a great kid. I said the kid ......He grew into a great man. ”
According to the press release, the rollover is under investigation. The exact cause of the accident is unknown, but the rollover is one of the leading causes of death among service members while on duty.
Baiersky is a crew member at ACV and joined the Marine Corps in 2019. According to the press release, his awards include two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, one Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Medal of Good Conduct, Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, and Maritime Service Deployment Ribbon.
Bierskey, where he graduated in 2018, issued a statement Wednesday mourning the death of his former student, calling the Marine a "true hero."
According to Hazel Park Schools, his older brother Josh said, "He was always willing to help anyone. ”。He was very compassionate. He is always optimistic and will do everything to get you out of trouble and make you have a better mindset. ”
Colonel Sean Dinan, the commander of the MEU of Byersky, also expressed his condolences for the loss of the "Vanguard" family.
Speaking in a Marine Corps press release, Dianan said, "We cannot put into words our grief over the tragic passing of Sergeant Bilsky. Byersky was a distinguished Marine and a leader of his platoon. ”。MEU – the Marine who lived, trained and Xi from Sergeant Byersky – mourned with his family and friends. The entire family of the 15th MEU 'Pioneers' was affected by his absence. ”
In 2020, ACVs replaced aging and problematic amphibious assault vehicles after an incident in California that resulted in the deaths of eight Marines and a Navy medic. Since then, ACV has had its own problems, including grounding the fleet for about two months in 2022 after two landing craft were paralyzed in huge waves near California.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Marine Corps relieved the commander of the assault on the amphibian school as part of the unit's investigation into a non-fatal ACV accident that occurred a few months ago.