Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joseph
Zannet
Matte
July 23, 1920

–

February 10, 2004

Cemetery:

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

During World War II, Joseph Matte became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1973 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    378th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    362d Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 20, 1944
    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 97 (December 11, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Joseph Zannet Matte (ASN: 0-693146), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 378th Fighter Squadron, 362d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 20 August 1944, while leading the cover flight of four planes on an eight-plane armed reconnaissance mission over enemy occupied territory. Observing twelve German Fighters, Lieutenant Matte warned the lower flight and proceeded to climb above the enemy. As the first two German fighters attacked the lower flight, Lieutenant Matte dived on them, destroying both planes. Although now repeatedly under attacks himself which severely damaged his aircraft, he regained altitude and continued to give battle to superior numbers, destroying two additional enemy aircraft. The outstanding heroism, perseverance, and skill displayed by Lieutenant Matte on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    378th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    362d Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Joseph Zannet Matte (ASN: 0-693146), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 378th Fighter Squadron, 362d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    378th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    362d Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Joseph Zannet Matte (ASN: 0-693146), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane in the 378th Fighter Squadron, 362d Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Joseph Zannet Matte (ASN: 0-693146), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Matte and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.