Gerald N. Matts (Jebbo)

Gerald N. Matts (Jebbo) enlisted in the Army Air Corps on May 16, 1942, in Hibbing, Minnesota. Home at entry: Virginia, Minnesota.

He served as an Aviation Cadet at Craig Field in Alabama. After Cadet school completed, he served as a Captain and B-29 Pilot in Guam. Flew 35 missions in a B-29 that he named "The City of Virginia" in the Air Offense of Japan and the Asiatic-Pacific.

Mr. Matts was awarded the following: Air Medal with oak leaf cluster and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with battle star.

Relieved from active duty on November 4, 1946, in Boca Raton, Florida.

Also flew B-29 missions in Korea during the Korean War and then as Air Resupply in the Vietnam War. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1972.

Source:  Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project,  page 360.

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