Posted on 07/02/2020 10:43:00 AM PDT by tomatomaster
WW2 hero passed yesterday, age 95
I’ve posted before about Raymond T. Matheny, my second cousin. He authored the book, “Rite of Passage” describing his experience as a B17 flight engineer, shot down in January 1944, then spent 16 months as POW in Stalag 17. After the war, he eventually became a professor of archeology at BYU. Last summer at age 94, he presented his last paper at an archeology meeting before his retirement.
Some links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Matheny
Interview: https://www.pbsutah.org/sites/default/files/mathenyray_0.pdf
Book: https://www.bookdepository.com/Rite-Passage-Ray-T-Matheny/9780981848914
Article with photos: https://magazine.byu.edu/article/in-the-mayan-jungle/
Article: https://www.deseret.com/1999/7/3/19453785/a-festive-reunion-for-2-vets-br-each-thought-the-other-had-died-in-wwii
photo: https://jazzroc.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/raymatheny.jpg?w=225&h=307
Raymond lived a magnificent and grand life. Part of the greatest generation. There will never be another just like him. He is now resting in peace
Here is information on your cousin’s plane:
https://b17flyingfortress.de/en/b17/42-31093-deacons-sinners/
I am so sorry for your loss. He was an extraordinary person.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.