Gerald N. Matts was born April 23, 1923 in Virginia, Minnesota.On 16 May 1942, he enlisted in the Army at the age of 19 years old at Hibbing, Minnesota. He served 1 year and 12 days and received his Honorable Discharge on 27 May 1943 - Craig Field- Selma, Alabama from the Army to become a 2nd Lt. in the Army Air Corps.At the age of 22, he became aircraft commander of his B-29, he named his plane after his home town "City of Virginia".  

During his flying career, he was awarded 4 Air Medals, The Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with one battle star and other numerous awards.

During Gerald's 30-years of service he served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, had 22,000 hours of flying time which included not only     B-29's but with SAC in B-47's and other assorted aircraft and retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

He flew air supply from Clark AFB to Korea and again from Travis AFB and Hickam to Vietnam.

When he was suppose to go into 5th grade, the teacher advanced him to 6th so instead of graduating with the Virginia, Minnesota high school class of 1941, he graduated in 1940.

His interests during his school years included Band, Orchestra, Hi-Y, Baseball, Football, Curling, Intramural Hockey, Booster Club.

He was inquisitive, talented and friendly.

Gerald spent numerous summers on Lake Vermilion in Northern Minnesota.