Obituary of Frank J. Matte

Frank J. Matte Born Feb. 12th 1923 in Port Blanchard, Luzerne Co. Pa. Died July 7th 2012 in West Bloomfield, Mi. 89 After High School he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He trained in various fields around the U.S. and while in training in Alabama he met Eleanor Stevens. Upon completion of his training and his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant and B-24 Pilot he married Eleanor in 1944. He shipped off to War and served in the European Campaign in Italy flying B-24s in the 15th Air Force, 459th Bomb group. He flew 14 bombing missions before being re-assigned to the 885th Bomb Squadron, 2641st Special Group. Here he flew the remainder of his 50 total missions. This group flew special B-24s set up for night flight. He had special clearances and was attached to the OSS the predecessor to the CIA. He dropped spies, partisans, supplies and equipment into occupied territory in Europe mostly at night. This was done alone and through very mountainous areas. During his 790 hours of flying he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and won the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, Four Bronze Stars on the European Theatre Ribbon and The Distinguished Flying Cross. His Unit also was awarded a Presidential Unit citation for their work with the OSS on Feb. 17th and 18th 1945. He is mentioned in the book Secret Air Missions by B.G. (ret.) Monroe MacCloskey. When he returned from War he enrolled at Cornell University and graduated as a Mechanical Engineer. He worked as a carpenter to augment his GI bill and pay for College. Many of the pieces of furniture in the home were either made by or redone by him. He went to work for SKF in Philadelphia as a sales engineer. His son Jeff was born. He was promoted to District Manager of the Atlanta, Ga. Office. He later moved to Federal Mogul Corporation in Southfield, Mi. and rose to be the Regional Sales Manager of the National Seal Division. He was an active member in the Boy Scouts when his son was involved. He has been a member of North Congregational Church since 1964 and served two terms on the Board of Trustees. He was instrumental in the move of the Church to its present location. He was a member of Ingleside Bridge Club and held master's points. He enjoyed golf, woodworking and bridge. He was predeceased by his Brother Clem. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Eleanor and his son Jeff. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Thurs. July 12th 2012 at the, North Congregational Church, 36520 West Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331. (248) 848-1750 Donations to the Church in lieu of flowers is requested.