Charles Valentine Matta was born in February 13, 1925 to Walter and Gertrude Matta, who lived at 128 Marshall Street in Phoenixville , Pennsylvania.  His father immigrated from Czechoslovakia in 1902, his wife’s parents immigrated from Poland.  Walter worked as a laborer at Phoenixville Steel Company.

 Charles was one of twelve children:  from the oldest, Madeline, Victoria, Joseph, Edward, Marie, Anne, Thomas, Rita, Florence, Charles, Richard, and Thelma.

 Charles graduated from the Holy Trinity parochial school located at 219 Dayton Street (today combined with Sacred Heart) and later attended the Phoenixville High School, located on Nutt Road, where the hospital stands today.  Charles worked at Mrs. Hubbell’s Town Talk.

 Charles was inducted into the Army in March 1944 and received training at Camp Wheeler, Georgia.  Arriving in England in November, after further training, he was sent into battle, serving with First Army.

 Private First Class Charles Valentine Matta was Killed In Action on March 11, 1945, in Germany.

 He was buried in the Henri Chapelle Military Cemetery in Belgium, with a Catholic priest presiding.

 His Regimental Commander, Colonel C. M. Willingham, wrote to the family, that Charle’s death was instant. He wrote of their son’s devotion to duty.  He further corresponded “Your son was a man, who wasn’t satisfied with just the best: he wanted to do better regardless of how well he did the job.”

 In 1947, Charles was disinterred for burial in his home country and was transported back to the United States aboard the SS Robert Burns.  Services were held at the family’s home on Tuesday December 12th, with a High Requiem Mass at the Holy Trinity Church.  Burial was at the church's Cemetery with full military honors.

 His brother, Thomas also served in the Army during the war.