Raymond Elmer Matteson was born on June 21, 1916, in Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado. He was the son of Elmer J. Matteson and Villa M. Matteson. He was married to Margery Griess Matteson. He was a graduate of the University of Nebraska, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1938. He attended law college and was called to active duty in June 1941. He served in the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, as a First Lieutenant during World War II.

1Lt Matteson was Killed in Action on August 25, 1944, during the Battle for Brest, France. He is now buried in the Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial, Saint-James, Département de la Manche, Basse-Normandie, France.

Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Raymond E. Matteson (ASN: 0-1292367), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. on 2 August 1944, after having begun to advance to the south after successfully crossing the ***** River, the 9th Infantry Regiment was notified that the flanking regiment had been held up, thereby exposing the regimental command post to enemy attack. When sporadic sniper fire was directed at the building housing the command post, Lieutenant Matteson took a squad of his platoon to eliminate the snipers. Advancing about 300 yards, he came upon six of the enemy walking along the top of a bluff about 30 feet above him. After one of the enemy was killed, the remainder started firing down upon Lieutenant Matteson’s squad with machine guns and hand grenades. Although seriously wounded by a grenade, he sent one man back for reinforcements while he attempted to extricate wounded men from the severe fire. Before reinforcements could arrive, he succeeded in getting all of his squad under cover from the fire and back to the command post. Later, in spite of his wounds, he led a searching party in an endeavor to destroy the enemy force. Lieutenant Matteson was subsequently killed in action. The courage, disregard for personal safety and unswerving devotion to members of his command displayed by this officer reflect highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, weremember.abmc.gov, valor.militarytimes.com