Medal of Honor: Jack W. Mathis – U.S. Army Air Corps – World War II

Name: Jack W. Mathis
Rank: First Lieutenant
Branch: U.S. Army Air Corps
Unit: 359th Bomber Squadron, 303d Bomber Group
Place: Over Vegesack, Germany
Entered Service At: San Angelo, Texas
Born: 25 September 1921, San Angelo, Texas

Summary of Action

Serving as the lead bombardier of his squadron during a bombing mission over Vegesack, Germany, 1st Lt. Jack W. Mathis guided his aircraft through intense and highly accurate antiaircraft fire. The success of the entire squadron’s attack depended on his precision during the bomb run.

As he began the critical approach, enemy flak tore through the aircraft. A burst shattered his right arm above the elbow and ripped a massive wound through his side and abdomen. The explosion knocked him from the bombsight to the rear of the compartment.

Gravely and mortally wounded, Mathis understood that if he did not complete the run, the squadron’s bombing would fail. Through sheer willpower and determination, he dragged himself back to the bombsight. Bleeding heavily and in excruciating pain, he steadied himself, completed the run, and released the bombs on target.

Moments later, he died at his post.

Because of his sacrifice, the squadron placed its bombs directly on the assigned target in a perfect and devastating attack.

Medal of Honor Citation

MATHIS, JACK W. (Air Mission)

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.