George W. Mathews

He defended the wounded while treating them under enemy fire

George William Mathews was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1874. He served as a captain and assistant surgeon with the 36th Infantry, U.S. Volunteers, during the Philippine conflict.

On October 29, 1899, near Labo on Luzon, Mathews attended wounded officers and enlisted men under severe enemy fire. When an attack threatened his patients, he took up a carbine and repelled it. His Medal of Honor citation recognized his defense of the wounded in his care.

Mathews received the Medal of Honor on March 14, 1902, and attained the rank of major and surgeon. He died in Worcester on July 31, 1906, and is buried at St. John's Cemetery. His award commemorates a military physician's courage in protecting his patients during combat.

Medal of Honor Citation

While in attendance upon the wounded and under a severe fire from the enemy, seized a carbine and beat off an attack upon wounded officers and men under his charge.