Ralph Mattson was born in Stone Ridge, N.Y. in 1921 and enlisted in the Army at New York City in 1943. At the time of enlistment, he was unmarried, had completed one year of high school and working as a skilled welder. Mattson joined what would later become the 10th Mountain Division while it was engaged in mountain and winter warfare training at Camp Hale, Colo. He participated in the invasion of Kiska Island, Alaska and in combat operations in Italy. Mattson was assigned to the 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment and served with Company I, later with Company L. He was awarded the Silver Star medal for gallantry in March 1945 for his actions near Mount della Vedetta.
From the description of Ralph Mattson papers, 1943-1945. (Denver Public Library). WorldCat record id: 279152621
