Robert J. Mattson
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Robert J. Mattson of Aurora, Minnesota was inducted into the Army on Jan. 13, 1944.
He was a First Sergeant and an administrative NCO with Company B, 519th Military Police Battalion, 10th Army.
He was deployed to Leyte, Philippines, in February 1945 to prepare for an invasion of Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands. His battalion landed on Okinawa in April and performed initial missions. From April 1 to June 26, he performed traffic duty at posts extending from the original beachhead to the front, cleaned out enemy infiltrating parties, enemy in caves that were bypassed by advancing infantry, collected enemy nationals, operated prisoner of war and civilian stockades and guarded installations. He operated a provisional company in support of the 27th Infantry Division.
His battalion suffered five killed in action, 13 wounded in action and one one missing in action.
Decorations awarded members of the battalion were a: Bronze Star, 19 Purple Hearts, Philippine Liberation Medal and two battle stars on the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Service Medal. Company C was cited by the commanding general of the 96th Infantry Division.
Mr. Mattson received the: Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Service Medal with two bronze battle stars, Army of Occupation Service Medal (Japan), World War II Victory Medal and two overseas service bars.
He was discharged on May 18, 1946.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 197.
