Medal of Honour – 1st Lt. Jack Mathis

Jack Mathis attended school in his hometown & enlisted in the Army in June 1940, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He served for six months with the 1st Field Artillery at Fort Sill, OK He returned home in early 1941 for transfer to the Army Air Corps at Goodfellow Field, then took training as a bombardier at Ellington Field, Texas, & Victorville, CA.  He was commissioned July 4, 1942. He served with bombardier groups at Salt Lake City, Utah; Alamogordo, N.M.; & Biggs Field, Texas.

Lieutenant Mathis went to England in September 1942, for service with the 8th Air Force. He flew as lead bombardier for the 303rd Bomb Group’s 359th Squadron & in this capacity made the supreme sacrifice on March 18, 1943, during a mission against hostile installations at Vegasack, Germany Although mortally     wounded by enemy anti-aircraft fire, he released his bombs, & as a result of his heroic action, the bombers of his squadron dropped their bombs directly upon the assigned target. MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry & intrepidity above & beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy over Vegesack, Germany, on 18 March 1943. 1st Lt. Mathis, as leading bombardier of his squadron, flying through intense & accurate antiaircraft fire, was just starting his bomb run, upon which the entire squadron depended for accurate bombing, when he was hit by the enemy antiaircraft fire. His right arm was shattered above the elbow, a large wound was torn in his side & abdomen, & he was knocked from his bomb sight to the rear of the bombardier’s compartment. Realizing that the success of the mission depended upon him, 1st Lt. Mathis, by sheer determination & willpower, though mortally wounded, dragged himself back to his sights, released his bombs, then died at his post of duty. As the result of this action the airplanes of his bombardment squadron placed their bombs directly upon the assigned target for a perfect attack against the enemy. 1st Lt. Mathis’ undaunted bravery has been a great inspiration to the officers & men of his unit.

Jack Mathis had been promoted to first lieutenant less than two months before he lost his life. He also received two Air Medals in combat. Jack Mathis’ older brother, First Lt. Rhude Mark Mathis, also serving as a bombardier in Africa & England, asked & received permission to take over Jack’s assignment on the B-17 named The Duchess. Mark Mathis lost his life on May 14, 1943, as bombardier on the Flying Fortress named FDA which was hit over Kiel, Germany.

Article Courtesy of USAF