Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Lt. Matthew J. (Jospeh) Hogan


My grandfather was very close to Lt. Hogan, and kept tabs on his friend during the war, and on Lt. Hogan's family for sometime afterward. Among other items, there are two surviving original articles in the Highland Falls scrap book. The first details Lt. Hogan's entire career and awards; the second is a transcript of his commendation upon being posthumously awarded the Silver Star.
I'll transcribe them below, and for now provide a link to my facebook where you can view a copy of the commendation article. (there is now an image here; facebook link removed)

Letter of Commendation:

* * * *

War Department
The Adjutant General's Office
Washington D.C.
April 13, 1945

Mrs. Joan M. Hogan
109-35 221 Street
Queens Village, NY

Dear Mrs. Hogan:
I have the honor to inform you that, by direction of the President, the silver star has been posthumously awarded to your husband, First Lieutenant Matthew J. Hogan, Infantry.
The citation is as follows:
"For gallantry in action in ****(location omitted) 22 and 23 November1944. After directing devastating fire on the enemy while completely exposed on open terrain, Lieutenant Hogan reorganized his platoon and fearlessly lead the assault and capture of the objective. Beating off one counter-attack, the men were immediately attacked again by a numerically superior enemy force, the assault being spearheaded by three enemy tanks. In order to gain information as to a route of withdrawal, Lieutenant Hogan exposed himself to enemy fire and was mortally wounded, but his men were able to withdrawal without loss.
His valorous leadership, fearless intrepidity, and extreme sense of devotion to duty were in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States."
The decoration will be forwarded to the Commanding General, Second Service Command, Governor's Island, New York, who will select an officer to make the presentation. The officer selected will communicate with you concerning your wishes in the matter.
May I again express my deepest sympathy to you in your bereavement.
Sincerely yours,
J.A. Ulio
Major General
The Adjutant General
* * * *
General news article:
December, 1944
Joseph Hogan of Rangers War Casualty

Matthew Joseph Hogan, son of May Ryan Hogan formerly of Elizabeth N.J. and the late William F. Hogan of Highland Falls, was killed in action in Germany on November 23 according to word received from the Secretary of War by his wife, Joan Quinlan Hogan of Queens Village, L.I.
Lieutenant Hogan was 25 years old. He was graduated from Sacred Heart School, Highland Falls, and from Highland Falls High School and attended Pace Institute, New York City. He was employed by Horn & Hardart , New York City, from the time he was graduated from high school until he entered the service.
He enlisted into the Army in January of 1941, from New York. From the reception center at Fort Dix, he was assigned to the 60th Infantry, 9th Division, at Fort Bragg N.C., where he remained until he entered Officers' Candidate School in July, 1942. After receiving his commission (second lieutenant, Infantry) he was assigned to duty at Fort Brady, Saulte Ste. Marie, Mich., where he was stationed from September 1942, until September 1943. In February 1943, he became a Second Army Ranger, after completing the Ranger (Commando) Course at at Camp Forest, Tenn. He was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in June, 1943, during his stay at Fort Brady. His next regular assignment was to Camp Carson, Colo., with the 104th Timberwolf Division, which is now in Germany. During his training period, he maneuvered throughout most of the States in the union.
He left the States on Aug. 23, 1944, and arrived in France on Sept. 7, 1944, with the first of the American Army to land directly on the continent. From there he went to Belgium, Holland, and finally Germany. He was wounded in action in Holland on Oct. 26and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star for gallantry in action. He was returned to duty on Oct. 28 and was wounded mortally on Nov. 23. The last letter, received by his family was written on Nov. 20th.
Lietenant Hogan was married on Thanksgiving Day, 1942, at Fort Brady Michigan, to Joan Quinlan of 109-35 221st Street, Queens Village, L.I. Their daughter, Cathy, was born on Dec. 21, 1943.
Besides his wife and daughter, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. William F. Hogan Sr.; three brothers, Lieut. James of the Military Police, William, and John; and four sisters, Dolores, Rita, Mrs. Patrick J. Carroll, and Mrs. David W. O'Dell Jr.
A Mass of Requiem will be offered for the happy repose of his soul on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m., in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Highland Falls.

* * * *

Sandra Eberhard, webmaster for the 104th, was kind enough to provide the following information on Lt. Hogan:
"I do have information that Lt. Hogan was with the 104th Division when they left Camp Carson to go overseas, assigned to the second platoon of Company L. Also he was killed at the time of the battles for Hills 282 and 303. He apparently had been wounded once before he was killed since he had received two purple hearts. Ironically the Lt. assigned to the third platoon was also killed in action that day." (meaning, of course, that both 2nd and 3rd platoon lost their lieutenants that day)

Many thanks to her for passing this along!!

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