Matz was chosen for the honor of carrying the flag at the 1996 Closing Ceremonies not only because of his career in the show ring , but also for an extraordinary act of heroism seven years before . On July 19 , 1989 , Matz and his then-fiancée D.D. Alexander were traveling home from judging a horse show in Hawaii . They missed their connection from Denver to Philadelphia , and had a choice of two flights 20 minutes apart . They chose United Airlines Flight 232
United Airlines Flight 232
United Airlines Flight 232
Michael R. Matz