Elmy L. Matta
Elmy L. Matta | |
---|---|
Born |
December 26, 1921 Hato Rey, Puerto Rico |
Died |
August 3, 1950 Korea |
Buried at | Puerto Rico National Cemetery in Bayamón, Puerto Rico |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/branch | United States Army |
Rank |
First lieutenant |
Commands held | Company F, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division |
Battles/wars | Korean War |
Awards |
Distinguished Service Cross Purple Heart |
First lieutenant Elmy Luis Matta born on December 26, 1921 in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico commanded Company F, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade, 8th Cavalry Regiment in the U.S. Army. 1st LT Elmy L. Matta was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions in the Korean War.
Korean War
1st LT Elmy L. Matta was a member of the 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. Lieutenant Matta was killed while personally leading an assault of his company against the enemy in the face of intense small arms and automatic weapons fire.
Distinguished Service Cross citation
ELMY L. MATTA
Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Elmy L. Matta (O-0038339), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company F, 2d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. First Lieutenant Matta distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kumchon, Korea, on 3 August 1950. On that date, Lieutenant Matta was assigned mission of destroying an enemy road block which had cut the Division supply route and personally led the assault of his company against the enemy in the face of intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. Even after expending all his ammunition, Lieutenant Matta pressed the attack with his bayonet, causing the enemy to bolt and run. During this action Lieutenant Matta was killed. His fearlessness and aggressive leadership inspired his company to eliminate the enemy and successfully complete the mission. Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 46 (August 31, 1950) Home Town: , Puerto Rico[1]
Postscript: 1st. Lieutenant Elmy L. Matta was buried with full military honors in the Puerto Rico National Cemetery located in Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Military decorations
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Purple Heart
- National Defense Service Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation