Private First Class Charles Matta was Killed In Action on March 11, 1945, in Germany. He was buried in the Henri Chapelle Military Cemetery in Belgium, with a Catholic priest presiding.
His Regimental Commander, Colonel CM Willingham, wrote to the family, that Charle’s death was instant. He wrote of their son’s devotion to duty. He further corresponded “Your son was a man, who wasn’t satisfied with just the best: he wanted to do better regardless of how well he did the job.”
In 1947, Charles was disinterred and transported back to the US aboard the SS Robert Burns. Services were held at the family’s home on December 12th, with a High Requiem Mass at the Holy Trinity Church. Burial was at the church's Cemetery with full military honors.
His brother, Thomas also served in the Army during the war.
Credits
Research by Don Wambold, WCMSC