Photo: Lt. Jack Mathis-World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient

Photographer: Don Morfe
Taken: October 17, 2003
Caption: Lt. Jack Mathis-World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Additional Description: He is buried in Fairmount Cemetery (Block 86, Plot A, Row 1, Lot 10) San Angelo TX. He was Killed In Action. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *MATHIS, JACK W. • 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 (Air Mission) • Entered service at: 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.
Submitted: March 17, 2016, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland.
Database Locator Identification Number: p347065
File Size: 0.050 Megabytes

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