Alfred Richard Matter – Rear Admiral, United States Navy

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ALFRED RICHARD MATTER ”DICK”

Rear Admiral ALFRED RICHARD ”DICK” MATTER dies, Naval Aviator.

ALFRED RICHARD MATTER, 91, a retired Navy Rear Admiral died September 10, 2001 in Naples, Florida. Born in Butte, Montana, he was the son of Alfred Louis and Ida L. Matter. Admiral Matter was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, class of 1932. Upon graduation from flight training he was designated Naval Aviator on December 18, 1935. As a pilot and Torpedo Squadron Two aboard U.S.S. Lexington, he participated in the search for aviatrix Amelia Earhart.

During World War II he served aboard the U.S.S. Ranger and participated in the defense of the Atlantic Ocean and in the delivery of Air Force fighter aircraft to Africa. In 1943 he assumed command of Carrier Air Group Fifty which operated over Truk Island in the Pacific. He was shot down in the battle for Truk and rescued by the submarine Tang.

Among his many duty stations were: Deputy Director, Office of North Atlantic Treaty Affairs; Commanding Officer of the New Clear Carrier U.S.S. Saratoga; Naval Inspector General; Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; Commander Caribbean Sea Frontier with additional duty as Commandant, Tenth Naval District and Commander, U.S. Antilles Defense Command. In his final command he served as Commandant of the Naval District, San Francisco, California.

He was awarded numerous medals and campaign ribbons including the Legion of Merit, the Air Medal, and attained the status of ”Gray Eagle” symbolic of being the oldest active duty naval aviator (in which he took great pride).

Admiral Matter was a member of the Royal Poinciana Country Club of Naples, Fflorida; Army-Navy Country Club of Arlington, Virginia; Washington Golf and Country Club of Arlington, Virginia; Army-Navy Club of Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

Admiral Matter is survived by his son, Richard Louis Matter of Arlington, Virginia and Naples, Florida; a daughter, Eugenia Matter of Charlottesville, Virginia and a brother, John Matter, Sr. of Ft. Myers, Florida formerly of Arlington, Virginia.

There will be a graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 8:30 a.m., Chaplain Anderson presiding. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, 247 King George St., Annapolis, Maryland 21402.

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