Remember Our Heroes

Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Michael R. Tatham, 33, of University Place, Wash., was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident, Oct. 12, 2011 while on rest and recuperation leave from supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Bali, Indonesia.


Tatham was assigned to a West Coast based Naval Special Warfare unit.

CPO Tatham was born December 12, 1977 in Fort Bragg, NC. He graduated from Curtis High School in 1996. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of San Diego in 2001. He was active on the rowing team and was instrumental in winning the Men’s 4 Man National Contest.

CPO Tatham enlisted in the Navy in 2002. He graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Class 248 in April 2004. He continued on with advanced training after reporting to his West Coast-based SEAL team.

CPO Tatham's awards and decorations include:

Bronze Star Medal with combat "V"
Joint Service Achievement Medal
Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals (4), including one with "V"
Good Conduct Medals (2)
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service medal
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3)
NATO Service Medal
Expert Rifle Ribbon
Expert Pistol Ribbon

CPO Tatham was laid to rest on November 2 in Rosecrans National Cemeter in San Diego.

CPO Tatham is survived by his mother, Diane; father, Stephen; brother, Matthew.