Fred J. Mattingly holds a special place in the history of American Legion Post 59 as the Post's first Commander and one of the Stoughton-area veterans whose service during World War I helped lay the foundation for the organization that followed.

Fred was born April 21, 1892, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and later made Stoughton, Wisconsin, his home. Before America's entry into World War I, he became associated with Company K of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry, part of the Wisconsin National Guard in Stoughton.

When the Wisconsin and Michigan National Guard units were reorganized for World War I, many of Stoughton's Company K soldiers became part of the military police organization of the 32nd "Red Arrow" Division. Mattingly served as an officer with the 32nd Division's Military Police and went overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces. Historical military records identify him as a Second Lieutenant with the 32nd Military Police Company.

The 32nd Division arrived in France in 1918 and became one of the most celebrated American divisions of World War I. Composed primarily of Wisconsin and Michigan National Guard troops, the division fought in the Aisne-Marne, Oise-Aisne and Meuse-Argonne offensives and later participated in the occupation of Germany. The French gave the division the nickname "Les Terribles," while its distinctive Red Arrow insignia came to symbolize its reputation for breaking through enemy lines.

Mattingly's wartime service earned additional recognition. Historical records of the 32nd Division identify him among members of the division's Military Police who received a French Croix de Guerre decoration. The Stoughton Historical Society also notes his recognition alongside other members of the unit.

When the Stoughton men of the former Company K finally returned home in May 1919, the community gave them an extraordinary welcome. Businesses and schools closed, a large parade was held, and Stoughton's returning veterans were honored throughout the city. Mattingly was among the men welcomed home.

That same year, Stoughton's returning veterans began organizing a local American Legion Post. The new organization was named Otis Sampson Post in memory of Stoughton native Otis Sampson, who had been killed in action during World War I.

Fred J. Mattingly became the first Commander of American Legion Post 59 in 1919, placing a veteran of the 32nd Division at the head of the organization during its formative days. His leadership helped begin a Post that would continue serving Stoughton-area veterans and the community for generations.

Mattingly's military involvement did not end with World War I. He continued serving in the Wisconsin National Guard after the war. Historical records show him as a First Lieutenant during the postwar reorganization of Stoughton's National Guard unit and later with Company I of the 128th Infantry. He was eventually promoted to Captain and Commander of that company before transferring to the Wisconsin National Guard Reserve in 1939.

On October 7, 1920, Fred married Meryl Leila "Mary" Newkirk. The couple made their home in Stoughton, where Fred continued a long career of public and community service.

He worked for the State Beverage Tax Department until retiring in 1957 and also served his community in local government as a Fourth Ward alderman. He remained connected to veterans throughout his life as a charter member of the Stoughton Barracks and a member of American Legion Post 59. He was also a member of Kegonsa Masonic Lodge No. 73.

Fred J. Mattingly died December 16, 1976, in Tomah, Wisconsin. He was 84 years old and was laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona.

From his service with Stoughton's Company K and the 32nd "Red Arrow" Division during World War I to his selection as the very first Commander of Post 59, Fred Mattingly helped establish a tradition of service that has continued for more than a century.

Every Commander who followed him became part of a line of Post 59 leadership that began with Fred J. Mattingly in 1919.