Marvin “Matt” Matkoski was born on January 9, 1924 in Philadelphia, PA to Elias and Malvina Matkoski. He passed away on December 6, 2016 at Bay Pines VA Medical Center.
Army Training
Matt volunteered in the Army at the age of 18 in 1943. His older brother, Emil, was already in the military. matt went to Indiantown Gap, PA for induction into the Army then to Camp Sherby, MS for training with the 69th Division. He was shipped out to Bari, Italy. His next post was in rome and on to a region in Southern France after training at Pastem, Italy.
World War II
Matt’s platoon received orders to proceed to the front line of the invasion of the battle of Anzio, a battle that would be recognized as the longest battle of the war, lasting 346 days. As Matt’s unit exited their LST upon landing at St. Maxine, a barrage of shells and shrapnel from German howitzers rained upon them killing almost all of them in the platoon.
Purple Heart
Matt received shrapnel in his back from the German howitzer and was thought to be dead but was found, barely alive, in a drainage ditch and was transported from the field hospital to a hospital ship then to the 300th Hospital in Naples, Italy. As a result of this event Matt was awarded the Purple Heart.
Awards and Decorations
At the time of his honorable discharge PFC Marvin Matkoski was eligible to wear the Purple Heart Medal, the Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze battle Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead, the World War II Victory Medal, and his combat infantry badge.
Graveside Service
A graveside service with military honors is scheduled for Thursday, December 15, 2016 at Bay Pines National Cemetery with the United States Army providing military honors.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
All your friends at Bingo are going to miss you dearly. I want to send my condolence to the family and may you Rest In Peace
My prayers are with you all
Sandy
A man of integrity, faith and justice who defended his strong convictions with a sense of pride and humor. He fought for his country and Church with true loyalty and compassion. Indeed a man with unwavering love for his fellow veterans, family and friends continually praising the excellent care received by the medical staff at Bay Pines VAMC. A faithful and true friend as stressed in the Book of Sirach 6:5-17 “‘is beyond price – one in a thousand” He will be missed and remembered during the prayers and Masses offered by Father Tom Dieter and myself. RIP
Matt, I know God has reserved a special place in heaven for you … enjoy it! You will be missed every week at Kiwanis Bingo but we will never forget your humor and your loving personality.
NMy I sat in front of Matt at bingo and really loved him he was so funny and called everyone’s bingo for them. I will really miss him.
I unfortunately only knew Matt for only a few years but was amazed at his energy, his great wit and sense of humor. Spent some time on a cruise with him and Shawn and was amazed how quickly everyone on the ship grew to know Matt. You only had to be near Matt for a short time until you adored him. I will miss him dearly but he will never be forgotten. Feel some honored to have known Matt
I will miss you most Matt. I love you, and will miss you alway’s. Shawn
matt was like a grandfather to me and i will miss him dearly. he was very funny and he will be missed by all.