Career
He was awarded the William H. Cheney Award in 1929 following his graduation from pilot training and commissioning as a second lieutenant in the Air Corps. The Cheney Award is presented by the chief of staff annually for an act of valor, extreme fortitude or self-sacrifice and humanitarian interest, performed during the preceding year in connection with aircraft. General Matheny served with distinction during World World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific theater of operations, taking part in the Central Pacific campaigns.
He was decorated by Admiral Chester West. Nimitz, Pacific Fleet commander, for his outstanding service in the Pacific theater during World World War World War II In early 1948 he assumed command of the United States. Air Force Advisory Group in Greece.
General Matheny entered the Air Defense Command in June 1950, with his assignment as commanding officer of the 28th Air Division of the Western Air Defense Force at Hamilton Air Force Base, California, and subsequent reassignment to the command of the 34th Air Division, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Prior to his assignment as chief of staff Allied Air Forces Northern Europe with headquarters at Kolsas, Norway, General Matheny commanded the 31st Air Division, Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
He was rated as a command pilot and aircraft observer. He was a graduate of the National War College in Washington, District of Columbia, attended by high level military officers of all branches of the service and their counterparts in government service.
Matheny died on August 8, 1973.
This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Government document "".
