Matthew P. Caputo

Matthew was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 4, 1936, to Phillip and Felice Caputo. He enlisted in the Army just out of high school in 1955 as an automotive mechanic. In April 1967, he was discharged as a Sergeant First Class and appointed as Warrant Officer One at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Matthew served active duty until November 1988 when he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer Four. Upon his retirement, Matthew was then employed by US Army Europe as 7th Army deputy Chief of Staff for logistics. He served over 30 years in Heidelberg, Germany working to further serve the USA as an expert in all aspects of supply, safety, readiness, maintenance and operation of automotive equipment.

During his military career, Matthew made several major contributions including assisting in the establishment of the Army Master Data File (AMDF), improving supply and maintenance support for low density engineer equipment, and improving the lighting on standard, emergency, and oversized vehicle fleets. Over $17 million dollars in cost avoidance and savings were achieved through his direct contributions.

While assigned in Europe, Matthew initiated several programs that reduced maintenance down-time and accidents. Safety programs he initiated included the installation of side marker lights on the mobile assault bridge; standardization of rotating amber warning lighting kits; replacement of front axle brake hoses on 20,000 2 1/2 ton cargo trucks; and conversion of 100,000 vehicles from polyglycol to silicone brake fluid. Materiel readiness programs he initiated included the rotation of 20,000 low mileage tactical wheeled vehicles placed in War Reserve with vehicles in active Army units to balance the fleet and improve readiness; an upgrade of the M151 Jeep to sustain an acceptable readiness rate until CUCV and HMMWV replacement vehicles were received; and a repair program that rebuilt 60-amp alternators that returned over 600 tactical vehicles and/or engine assemblies to an operational status. Additionally, Matthew submitted over 300 recommended changes to publications, 97 percent of which were approved.

Matthew’s tireless and selfless dedication to the Ordnance Corps and the Army has earned him the richly deserved reputation as an expert in all aspects of supply, readiness, safety, maintenance, cataloging, and operation of automotive equipment. His work and dedication has earned him the high distinction of being inducted into the United States Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame.

When he wasn’t working, Matthew enjoyed traveling, history and vintage cars.

Matthew is survived by his sons Matthias Caputo and Phillip Caputo, grandchildren Michael Caputo, Kaylie Dilly (Jake), and Holden Erstad, great granddaughter Ava Jo Dilly and step-daughter Kathleen Shafer-Painter.

A private graveside service with full military honors will be held at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Seattle, Washington.