MATHIS, JACK W. - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps, 359th
Bomber Squadron, 303d Bomber Group. Place and date: Over Vegesack, Germany,
18 March 1943. Entered service at: San Angelo, Tex. Birth: 25 September
1921, San Angelo, Tex. G.O. No.: 38, 12 July 1943. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity above and 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 and 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 and abdomen, and 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 and 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 and men
of his unit.
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