World War II Honoree

Mathew J. Yaquinto

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Wayne County, Michigan

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

RANK: SERGEANT. INDUCTED INTO THE ARMY JANUARY 28, 1942 AT DETROIT, MICHIGAN. HE WAS A PARATROOPER ASSIGNED TO GOLF COMPANY, 3RD BATTALION, 501ST PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT, 101ST AIRBORNE ‘SCREAMING EAGLES’ DIVISION. KILLED IN ACTION ON D-DAY, TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 1944 IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS DURING THE BATTLE OF NORMANDY, THE INVASION OF GERMANY’S FORTRESS EUROPE, OPERATION OVERLORD. HE DIED ALONG WITH 16 OTHER PARATROOPERS AND ALL 4 AIRCREW MEN WHEN THE AIRCRAFT, A C-47 ‘SKYTRAIN’ TROOP CARRIER EXPLODED IN MIDAIR AFTER ENCOUNTERING HEAVY ARTILLERY FLAK WHILE APPROACHING THE DESIGNATED DROP ZONE IN THE PICAUVILLE AREA ON THE FRENCH COTENTIN PENINSULA. AFTER THE CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES, HIS REMAINS WERE RETURNED TO MICHIGAN FOR BURIAL, WITH INTERMENT IN A PRIVATE CEMETERY.