Officer Mattern was shot on Friday, August 17, 1917, while investigating gunshots he heard while walking his regular beat. As he headed towards the shots he met the suspect who shot him in the abdomen. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries eight months later on Friday, April 12, 1918. The suspect was fleeing from another officer after robbing a bar. He then escaped capture and was never caught.

Officer Mattern served the Des Moines Police Department for 2 years.

Click here to view Memorial on the National Peace Officer Memorial Listing

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