Fallen soldier receives honors

Friday, March 8, 2002 | 9:39 a.m.

Matthew Allen Commons, an Army Ranger who attended high school in Boulder City, has received a posthumous promotion, from private first class to corporal.

Commons was one of seven U.S. soldiers killed March 4 during a helicopter rescue mission in Afghanistan,

Lt. Col Raymond Thomas III, commander of the 1st Battalion, 75th Regiment based at Hunter Airfield, Ga., approved the promotion based on Commons' action and conduct in battle, said Major Gary Kolb, U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

Commons, 21, has also been awarded the Bronze Star with valor, the Purple Heart and his Ranger ribbon, an uncle confirmed.

He will be buried Monday at 1 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery.

Commons, who was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., moved with his mother and younger brother to Boulder City in 1991. He was active in the Catholic church, played soccer and worked summers on a Lake Mead tour boat. In 1999 he graduated from Boulder City High School. He enlisted in the Army July 20, 2000.

Boulder City officials will also hold a memorial service Monday for Commons.

Mayor Bob Ferraro said he will speak at the ceremony. Others may speak as well, he said. The ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. in Bicentennial Park, adjacent to City Hall.

The ceremony Monday will be held as part of a previously planned lighting ceremony.

The American Legion Post will also hold a ceremony March 15.

Services are also planned in Indianapolis, where much of Commons' family lives.

Commons' parents, who now live in Alexandria, Va., have approved a local memorial scholarship fund in their son's name. Donations should be sent to St. Andrews Catholic Church, 1399 San Felipe Drive, Boulder City, 89005.

A tree will be planted near the Boulder City High School soccer field in memory of Commons.