Jack W. Mathis

He released his bomb load despite mortal wounds over Germany

Jack Warren Mathis earned the Medal of Honor as a bombardier during World War II. Born in Sterling City, Texas, on September 25, 1921, he served as a first lieutenant with the 359th Bombardment Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force.

On March 18, 1943, over Vegesack, Germany, Mathis was the squadron’s leading bombardier. Antiaircraft fire struck him as he began the bomb run, inflicting mortal wounds and knocking him away from his bombsight. He dragged himself back, released his bombs and died at his post. His citation credits his determination with enabling the squadron to bomb its assigned target accurately.

His posthumous Medal of Honor was presented to his mother at Goodfellow Field in San Angelo on September 21, 1943. Mathis was buried in Fairmount Cemetery there. His award commemorates devotion to duty during a fatal bombing mission.

Official 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. First 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 upon 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 bombsight 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. First Lt. Mathis' undaunted bravery has been a great inspiration to the officers and men of his unit.