Mat Aznan Awang facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mat Aznan Awang
SP
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| Born | 28 December 1960 Kampung Parit Panjang, Baling, Kedah, Federation of Malaya |
| Died | 4 October 1993 (aged 32) Mogadishu, Somalia |
| Allegiance |  Malaysia |
| Service/ |
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| Years of service | 1980–1993 |
| Rank |  Lance Corporal
 Corporal (posthumous) |
| Unit | 19th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–89) Battle of Mogadishu (1993) |
| Awards | Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) |
Corporal Mat Aznan bin Awang (born December 28, 1960 – died October 4, 1993) was a brave soldier from the Malaysian Army. He was part of the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) serving with the United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II). This was a special mission by the United Nations to help bring peace to Somalia.
Mat Aznan was given the highest award for bravery in Malaysia, the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP), after his death. This award was for his heroic actions during the Battle of Mogadishu in October 1993. He was a soldier in the Royal Malay Regiment and came from Kampung Parit Panjang, a village in Baling, Kedah.
Heroic Actions in Mogadishu
On October 4, 1993, Mat Aznan was part of a very important rescue mission. His team was sent to help about 70 US Rangers and five US Air Force members. These soldiers were surrounded in a dangerous area called the Bakaara Market in Mogadishu, Somalia.
During this rescue, Mat Aznan was driving a special armored vehicle called a Condor Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC). An APC is like a tough, bulletproof bus that protects soldiers as they move.
As the rescue convoy was moving, it was suddenly attacked. The armored vehicle Mat Aznan was driving was hit by powerful anti-tank weapons. These weapons were so strong they went through the bullet-proof window. Sadly, Mat Aznan was killed, and nine other soldiers were hurt.
Even though four Condor APC vehicles were destroyed in this attack, the Malaysian Battalion successfully rescued the US military personnel. Their bravery helped save many lives that day.
Awards and Recognition
Mat Aznan Awang received the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) award on June 4, 1994. This special award was given by the 10th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Almarhum Tuanku Jaafar of Negeri Sembilan. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the King of Malaysia. Mat Aznan was also promoted to Corporal by the Malaysian Army after his death, recognizing his courage and sacrifice.
Lasting Legacy
Mat Aznan's bravery continues to inspire others. One of his daughters has followed in his footsteps. She now serves in the same battalion, carrying on her father's legacy of service and courage.
