At this point, only limited information has been uncovered about the service of our MATTIVI ancestors and their participation in the Great War. It appears that two, Giovanbattista and Severino MATTIVI, were combantents in the First World War and as Trentini natives, served in the Austrian Army. It has been established that Giovanbattista served in the 3rd Regiment of the Kaiserjäger, a unit filled with Pinetani; however, Severino's unit assignment remains unknown. Very little is known of their experiences but each was likely conscripted.

Giovanbattista MATTIVI served on the Eastern Front where he was killed during battles with the Russian Army on August 8, 1916, in Bucovina. Based on the timing of his death, he may have been killed during the Brusilov Offensive, which was launched by the Russians in June 1916. Giovanbattista was a corporal at the time of his death. Severino MATTIVI likely entered the Austrian Army around the same time. His service is unclear but he was fortunate enough to survive the war.

It is not known whether each served out of will or fear.  A family anecdote, however, provides that one cause of Ben's immigration to the United States was to avoid the possibility of fighting against his brothers in the war.