Ret. Col. Matthew Riggans Anderson

Col. (Ret). Matthew R. Anderson, born on February 16, 1929 in Braddock, Pa., passed away on July 24, 2015 in Carlsbad, California. He graduated from Scott High school, attained a B.S from Webster College and an M.S. from University of Texas. He was a proud member of the Pittsburgh Army National Guard before entering active duty and retired from the U.S. Army in 1980. He served with the US Army Air Defense Command , the 1st Infantry Division, the Military Assistance Advisory Group Republic of China, Taiwan, two tours in the Republic of Korea, and served in combat in the province of Hong Gnu on the Mekong Delta during the Viet Nam War. Throughout his military career, he served his country with distinction and pride. His military decorations include Legion of Merit, with oak-leaf cluster; two Bronze Stars with oak-leaf clusters; Meritorious Service Medal with oak-leaf cluster; Air Medal; Vietnamese Cross of Galantry with Gold Palm; Vietnamese Cross of Galantry; Amy Commendation Medal; Combat Infantry Badge; Parachute Badge. Col. Anderson was a member of the Retired Officer’s Assoc., the VFW, the American Legion, post 416 of Encinitas, California. He was an avid golfer, was proud of his Scotch heritage and loved his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Col. Anderson is survived by his wife of 55 years Janet P. Anderson;, son, Eric and daughter-in-law, Gina and grandchildren Bryce, Breelynn, and Kaylaynn; daughter, Kitty Anderson Wood and grandchildren Noah and Sullivan; brother, Allen and wife Dolores Anderson of Maryland; sister, Agnes and husband Raymond (deceased) Curtin of Freedom, Pa; brother in-law, Joseph Pici and wife, Anne of Dayton, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. Col. Anderson will be buried with military honors at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, Ca. Donations are directed to the VFW, Wounded Warrior Project, and the American Legion.