Matt Urban

Matt Urban
Name	Matt Urban
Caption	Lieutenant Colonel Matt Urban
Birth date	August 25, 1919
Death date	March 4, 1995
Birth place	Buffalo, New York
Death place	Holland, Michigan
Placeofburial	Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army
Serviceyears	1941–1946
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel
Unit	9th Infantry Division
Battles	World War II
Awards	Medal of Honor, Silver Star (2), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (3), Purple Heart (7)

Matt Urban. A highly decorated officer of the United States Army during World War II, he is renowned for his extraordinary combat leadership across multiple campaigns in the European Theater of Operations. His actions, particularly with the 60th Infantry Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division, earned him the Medal of Honor after a lengthy review process. Often called "The Ghost" by his men for his relentless return to combat after being wounded, his legacy is commemorated in several public memorials and military facilities.

Early life and education

He was born on August 25, 1919, in Buffalo, New York, to parents of Polish immigrant heritage. He demonstrated early leadership and athletic prowess, becoming a standout athlete at Cornell University, where he studied history and government. His time at Cornell was marked by his participation in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, which prepared him for a future military career. He graduated in 1941, just as the United States was on the brink of entering the global conflict.

Military service

Commissioned as a second lieutenant, he was assigned to the 60th Infantry Regiment, part of the 9th Infantry Division. His unit saw some of the most intense fighting of the war, beginning with the Allied invasion of Sicily and the subsequent Italian Campaign. He quickly gained a reputation for fearless leadership and tactical ingenuity during the Allied advance from Paris to the Rhine, consistently inspiring his men under heavy fire from the Wehrmacht.

World War II actions and Medal of Honor

His combat record is a catalog of heroic actions across France, Belgium, and Germany. Key engagements included critical leadership during the Battle of Normandy, where he personally led assaults on enemy positions near Renne-sur-Loire. In the Battle of the Bulge, he famously organized a defense that repelled a strong German counterattack. Despite being wounded seven times, including a severe chest wound, he repeatedly left field hospitals to rejoin his unit. His Medal of Honor citation specifically cites his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" over a continuous period from June to September 1944. The award was not presented until 1980 after a campaign by his former soldiers and a review by the United States Department of the Army.

Post-war life and career

Following his discharge with the rank of lieutenant colonel, he returned to civilian life in Michigan. He worked in public recreation and community affairs, serving as the director of the Monroe, Michigan community center and later for the city of Port Huron, Michigan. He remained active in veterans' affairs, frequently speaking about his experiences and the importance of leadership. He also served on the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund board, advocating for the welfare of former service members.

Death and legacy

He died on March 4, 1995, in Holland, Michigan, and was interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. His legacy is preserved through several dedications, including the Matt Urban Center in Buffalo, New York, and the USNS *Lt. Col. Matt Urban*, a United States Navy cargo ship. His story is often cited in military leadership courses, and he is remembered as one of the most combat-decorated soldiers of World War II.

Awards and decorations

His personal military decorations include the Medal of Honor, the Silver Star with one oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters and "V" device for valor. He also received the Purple Heart with six oak leaf clusters, the French Croix de Guerre, and the Belgian Fourragère. These awards reflect his service in major campaigns including the Normandy landings, the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, and the liberation of Paris.

Category:American military personnel of World War II Category:Recipients of the Medal of Honor Category:United States Army officers