US Army Air Forces 1LT Jack Mathis: Medal of Honor Recipient WWII

On March 18, 1943 over Germany, 1st Lt. Jack Mathis was leading his bomber squadron when enemy flak tore through his body, shattering his arm and ripping open his side. Thrown from his bombsight and bleeding out, Mathis dragged himself back to complete the bomb run. With his last strength, he released the bombs, guiding the squadron to a perfect strike. He died at his post moments later. For his selfless courage and devotion to duty, 1st Lt. Jack Mathis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor 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.

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Photos Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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