Spc. Matthew James King of Abita Springs, LA served in the Army Active, C company, 2nd Battalion, 503 infantry of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was based in Vicenza, Italy. On May 3, 2005 while deployed to the Argenedab River Valley, Afghanistan, Spc King, assistant gunner and team leader of 1st Platoon weapons squad, was called to assist scouts and special forces that were under heavy attack and needed immediate assistance.