banner

 

George Toriello sent me this information February 20, 2020, on Erich C. Mathews, Jr. whose name is on the
Original Wall Unit at Hackensack High School written “Erich Mathews”.  

Erich C. Mathews, Jr. name is listed on the Hackensack High School 1946 Dedication Page as “Erich C. Mathews”.  Finally, his name on the Plaque at Hackensack’s City Hall as “Erich C. Mathews Jr”., which we are considering as the completely accurate one since it was written after he had given the Supreme Sacrifice


          According to Military records, Erich C. Mathews, Jr. was born in New Jersey on January 18, 1922 and the 1940 Census states he was living at 68 Union Street in Hackensack.  Erich C. Mathews, Jr. served in the Army with the 17th Airborne Division, 464th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion rising to the rank of Tech 4. 

Erich C. Mathews, Jr. received the Purple Heart when he was Killed in Action on March 25, 1945 during
“Operation Varsity”, Rhineland Campaign, in Germany.


          On November 16, 1948 while living at 82 Old River Road in Hackensack, New Jersey, Erich Mathews, Sr. signed the headstone application for his son when he was repatriated to St. Joseph’s Cemetery in
Hackensack, New Jersey. 

The gravestone in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Hackensack states that Erich C. Mathews, Jr. rose to the rank of Sergeant most likely a promotion given posthumously.

Written by:
Bob Meli
March 26, 2022

Click here to view information about The 464th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion.

Click here to view the Headstone or Marker Application and Grave Marker.

 

Background image of field artillery transported in planes obtained from: https://www.512aw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1223870/3d-as-takes-part-in-2-west-coast-exercises/