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Robert Matteson first served with the U.S. Marines prior to WWII. Re rejoined the Army and volunteered for the paratroopers. He was one of the older members of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He served from the beginning of the formation of the regiment and saw action in Sicily, Salerno, D-Day, Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his actions on the morning of 9 July 1943 in Sicily. At that time he had the rank of S/Sgt. The citation stated: Sgt Matteson's unit was preparing to make an attack on a fortified garrison. This attack could not be launched until a pillbox which was covering the avenue of approach to the garrison was silenced. S/Sgt Matteson and four privates crawled over 100 yards until within about ten yards of the enemy emplacement. While the private covered the pillbox, S/Sgt Matteson ran alone to the side of the pillbox and threw two hand grenades in the door, killing one of the enemy and capturing the other three. Staff Sergeant Matteson and his men were under heavy fire from machine guns in the pillbox during this entire action.

He received a battlefield commission sometime after the fighting at La Fière Bridge in France.

His brother served in Australia at the time of his death.