Salve H. Matheson

Matheson, Major General Salve H.
Died peacefully at home in Carmel on January 8, 2005. He was born in Seattle, Washington on August 11, 1920 and came to California the same year, attending grade schools in Monterey and Pacific Grove. In 1942 he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Infantry upon graduation from the University of California at Los Angeles. During World War II he served with E Company, "Band of Brothers," and Headquarters 506th Parachute Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, participating in the D-day Invasion of Normandy, the liberation of Holland, the defense of Bastogne, and the seizure of Hitler's Eagles Nest. He received the surrender of Lt. General Dr. Hans Speidel, Field Marshall Rommal's Chief of Staff. During the Korean War General Matheson was the G-3 Plans Officer, X Corps and participated in the Ichon and Wonsan landings and the amphibious withdrawl from Hungnam. During his military career he served in the 1st Infantry Division, 101st Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division and attended the Naval War College. He commanded the 101st Special Forces Group in Europe and the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Separate) in Vietnam. He was also with MACV during the TET Offensive. In 1969 he commanded in the 2nd Infantry Division on the Korean DMZ. He retired at Fort McPherson, Georgia in 1975 and returned to the Monterey Peninsula. He was a member of the International Club of Carmel. His decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Bronze Stars, twelve Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart, Master Parachutist Badge, and Combat Infantry Badge. Foreign awards include the Bronze Lion and the Orange Lanyard of the Netherlands. In 1968 he received UCLA's award for Outstanding Professional Achievement. General Matheson is survived by his wife, Patricia; two daughters, Catherine Wallace of La Canada, California and Molly Matheson of Sebastopol, California, a son, Michael Matheson of Carmel and four grandchildren. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the Carmelite Monastery, 27601 Highway One, Carmel, California 93923.