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

Name: Jack W. Mathis
Rank: First Lieutenant
Branch: U.S. Army Air Forces
Unit: 359th Bomber Squadron, 303d Bomber Group
Place: Over Vegesack, Germany
Entered Service At: San Angelo, Texas
Born: 25 September 1921, San Angelo, Texas
G.O. No.: 38, 12 July 1943

Summary of Action

On 18 March 1943, during a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Germany, 1st Lt. Jack W. Mathis served as the lead bombardier for his squadron—responsible for the accuracy of the entire formation’s attack.

As his aircraft began its bomb run, it came under intense and precise antiaircraft fire. A direct hit tore into the plane, shattering Mathis’s right arm, ripping open his side and abdomen, and throwing him away from his bombsight.

Gravely wounded and bleeding heavily, he understood that the success of the mission—and the effectiveness of the entire squadron’s bombing—depended on him.

Through sheer willpower, he dragged himself back to his position.

With catastrophic injuries and fading strength, Mathis regained control of the bombsight and completed the bomb release.

Only after ensuring the bombs were accurately delivered onto the target did he succumb to his wounds—dying at his post.

His action ensured a precise and successful strike, allowing the squadron to place its bombs directly on the objective.

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.