Matthew died fighting for our country in Iraq and perished due to a roadside bomb. Clark, Matthew W., LCpl USMC was born August 11, 1984 in St. Louis, MO and baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection. Matthew was active in modeling as a child and was captivated by theater performances. Matthew enjoyed traveling to see all that the world had to offer, such as the trip he and his mother took to France only a few years ago. From his 7th grade year until his sophomore year, he attended St. Louis Priory School. The final two years he attended Ladue High School. Evidence of dedication to his faith and friends, was exhibited by his sponsoring his friend, Dolph Spoeneman into the Catholic faith. Matthew reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on May 17, 2004 to achieve a life-long dream of becoming a United States Marine. He then went to Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry West on August 17, 2004, where he earned the MOS 0311, Marine Basic Rifleman. He reported to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment at Kanehoe Bay, Hawaii on October 27, 2004. He returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January, 2006. After a short time back in Hawaii, LCpl Clark then deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in September, 2006. [published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Dec 20, 2006]
