Matson, Randall E. (1917-1999).

Randall Emmer Matson was born 29 October 1917. He received his B.S. (1945) in dairy husbandry from Iowa State College (University). As a student, Matson was a member of the Dairy Husbandry Club and participated in cattle judging and livestock shows.

Matson attended Iowa State for three years before being drafted into the Army in 1941. During World War II, he served overseas in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He was wounded in battle and was discharged on 2 January 1945. Matson returned to Iowa State to finish his degree under the GI Bill. Years later Matson wrote a book titled Somewhere in Italy (call no. D811 M37x 1994) documenting his experiences during the war.

Matson married Ruth Ringgenberg of Ames, Iowa. He died on 7 October 1999.