Uncle Matty Comes Home

About Uncle Matty

Honoring a Hero: Uncle Matty’s Journey Home

About Uncle Matty and the Author

This page tells the powerful story of Martin "Matty" Teahan, a brave American soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice during the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944. Matty's story, and the incredible journey of his rifle back to the U.S. 72 years later, is shared with the world through the heartfelt work of his nephew and author, Jim Farrell. As a veteran who served with the 110th MP Company in Operation Paul Bunyan, Jim understands the powerful connection between service, history, and the profound sacrifices made.

Matty’s Story: Before and During the War

Before his heroic sacrifice, Matty was a vibrant young man from the South Bronx. He was not only known for his lively personality but also for his talents as a self-taught piano and guitar player, often charming the local girls with his music and his distinct Bronx Irish accent. He loved to dance the night away with them, reflecting a carefree spirit before the war. Driven by a strong sense of patriotism, Matty even forged his mother’s signature at the age of 17 to join the paratroopers right after the attack on Pearl Harbor, a testament to his determination to serve his country. During his service, he was nicknamed the “Mitch Miller of WWII” for his ability to get everyone singing along in harmony. According to the Uncle Matty Comes Home website, he knew all the songs word for word. Jim Farrell’s book, Uncle Matty Comes Home, delves into these stories of Matty’s youth and the close relationships within his family, giving readers a vivid picture of Matty and his generation as they answered the call of duty during World War II.

 

The Rifle’s Journey Home

In a remarkable twist of fate, Matty’s M1 Garand rifle, engraved with his name, was discovered in Normandy in 2016, 72 years after his death. This extraordinary discovery sparked an emotional odyssey to bring the rifle home and ensure Matty’s legacy was honored. The book recounts the author’s dedication to researching his uncle’s story, the meaningful relationships forged between the French Military and US Army leaders during the process, and the rifle’s eventual display in the office of the 39th Chief of Staff of the Army, General Mark A. Milley.

The Author’s Connection and Motivation

Jim Farrell’s personal connection to his uncle fueled his mission to research and document Matty’s life. This connection began early; at the age of 11, the nuns instructed young Jim to pray for someone who had died, and he chose his Uncle Matty. He has faithfully continued to say a prayer for Uncle Matty every day since. His mother’s heartfelt dream was to one day visit Uncle Matty’s grave, a wish she tragically passed away before fulfilling. Jim and his sister Liz honored their mother’s memory by making that pilgrimage for her. The author’s own experience as a veteran of the 110th MP Company in Operation Paul Bunyan resonated deeply with the sacrifices made by soldiers like Uncle Matty, solidifying his commitment to share this poignant story with the world. The book is a powerful tribute to all who served and gave their lives in World War II.

Legacy and Impact

Through the pages of Uncle Matty Comes Home, Jim Farrell not only breathes life into his uncle’s memory but also highlights the enduring spirit of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. Matty’s story serves as a profound reminder of the “greatest generation” and their lasting impact on future generations, inspiring countless individuals to cherish the freedoms often taken for granted. Now, with the book, Uncle Matty’s legacy lives on for generations to come.

Stay in Touch

Buy the Book

You can purchase Uncle Matty Comes Home through various platforms.

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Learn more on the official Facebook page for Uncle Matty Comes Home.

Quotes

The story of Uncle Matty and the return of his rifle has resonated with military leaders. General Mark Milley, U.S. Army, expressed his gratitude for honoring Uncle Matty and the paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division, emphasizing the high honor of his sacrifice. As stated in the book summary on Amazon.com, Brigadier General Patrick Collet of the French Army described Uncle Matty’s rifle as a special piece of history, believing Matty would be smiling from “Paratroopers’ Heaven.

My Hero General Collet

Brigadier General Patrick Collet, Commanding Officer, 11th Parachute Brigade, my hero and friend for life. General Collet located Uncle Matty’s historic rifle and moved heaven and earth to bring it back home to our family.

Born to be Airborne

Uncle Matty at Rockaway Beach, NYC in 1939. Notice the dog with him, my whole family loved dogs. Matty was in rock solid shape from playing all the New York City street games that would define him as “Born to be Airborne”

My Father Mickey Pictures 5a & 5b

My Father Mickey, all around tough guy from the streets of the Irish South Bronx. Love his beer and dogs! At McSherry’s Pub on 138th Street and Alexander Avenue, with my brother Jackie and his beloved Dalmatian Spanky. In WWII Mickey would be shot down, captured, and serve 9 months in the POW Camp Stalag Luft 3. This is the POW Camp from which the movie the Great Escape was made. Famous for saying “Let’s take it outside”

Matty’s Family

Father Richard, Mother Nora, Brother Jimmy, Sisters Ann and Francie. An Irish American Family growing up in the South Bronx, aka the 33rd county of Ireland. Living through the great depression, World War II and everything else the world threw at them.

Two Martin’s of the Greatest Generation

Uncle Matty – Martin Teahan and my father Martin Farrell represent the Greatest Generation. One was a Paratrooper who would die in combat, the other a Bombardier who would spend 9 months in a POW Camp, but survive. I would never understand my father, and later in life get to know the Uncle Matty very well, both would shape my life.

 
 

Uncle Matty’s Irish South Bronx

Uncle Matty smoking a cigarette while flirting with the girls in 1940. Behind his right shoulder is his best friend Peter Donahue. Matty was famous for his singing, dancing, and being the life of the party.